I've been wondering how Delta decides which stations have mainline employees ground handling flights vs. contractors. It seems quite random. Obviously the hubs are mostly mainline. SLC is going back to 100% mainline gate and ramp agents this month after a long stint splitting flights with SkyWest. My home station, JAC, currently has all mainline flights but all contract employees (Unifi). I was recently in Canada and noticed both YUL and YYZ are mainline stations despite having mostly regional jet flights. The rest of Delta's Canada stations are contracted out to various different providers.

Does anyone know more on Delta's process for selecting who works which stations? I can't help but notice the service and performance of Delta's own employees is generally better than the alternative. United is in the process of bringing a bunch of stations back in house. Where does Delta stand with this? Are they going more mainline, more outsourced or leaving things the same? When Delta decides to contract out a station, how long is the contract generally for? Thanks to any insiders who can shed light.