To: CVG Airport Customer Service and Delta Cargo Operations Colleagues
From: Bill Lentsch, S.V.P. – ACS and Cargo Operations
Date: February 4, 2016
Subject: Right-Sizing Delta’s Airport and Cargo Operations in CVG
As a competitor in the global marketplace, Delta has a duty to ensure it is operating in a financially responsible manner.
After careful analysis, today Airport Customer Service (ACS) and Cargo Operations leaders are in Cincinnati with you
sharing the difficult decision we have made to right-size the CVG operation effective May 1. This right-sizing will include
the expected transition of the CVG Cargo operation to our business partner Delta Global Staffing.
While there are no current changes to the CVG flight schedule, these staffing changes are necessary. The CVG station
has been in an overstaffed situation since 2010, after several rounds of hub restructuring. Our goal was to achieve this
right-sizing through attrition over the years, however that has not occurred. In addition, the cargo industry has been
challenged by high capacity in the market and a shift from air to ground and sea freight as companies around the world
look to lower their shipping costs. Due to the size of the CVG freight market, it is necessary to utilize a supplier to align
Delta’s costs with cargo revenue.
These changes will result in the reduction of approximately 120 positions as well as a reduction in hours for approximately
185 employees. Jobs are available for each and every impacted employee who is willing to transfer to another station
where there is an open position in ACS or Cargo. Given that ATL is slightly above headcount complement, it will not be
open for transfers; however, there are a number of stations that will be accepting transfers, including: LGA, SEA, MSP,
DTW, LAX and JFK. In addition, to accommodate as many impacted benefited employees as possible, we will increase
capacity and maximize our space in the CVG Customer Engagement Center, while also offering options to transition to
any Engagement Center Delta operates in North America.
Eligible employees will be offered an opportunity to transfer with relocation assistance, voluntarily retire through a 55-point
program or select voluntary furlough with severance. As has been done in the past, we will administer a station preference
process in the weeks ahead. The leaders visiting your station today are very knowledgeable about what options are
available to you and I encourage you to ask them questions. We will provide an Employee Assistance Program and
career transition resources in person during the coming weeks.
Delta has a long-standing history of taking care of its people, especially through tough circumstances. You have my
continued, full support through this transition process. ACS and Cargo Operations leaders as well as Human Resources
representatives are available to support you throughout this process and are equipped to help those impacted make the
best decision for themselves and their families.
While our industry remains volatile and faces ever-present challenges, including growing economic uncertainty, we must
remain focused on running a business that can be profitable in good times and bad.
I understand this is a difficult decision; however, I know we can count on the professionals in CVG to continue to support
each other and deliver excellent customer service. Thank you for all you do for Delta every day.