Delta pilots clear lockers in anticipation of possible strike

<p>The pilots union at Delta Air Lines Inc. ordered members to clear their lockers Friday in anticipation of a possible strike the union says is "becoming more likely every day."</p><p>The union representing the airline's 5,930 pilots is in a protracted dispute with management over long-term pay and benefit cuts the Atlanta-based company is seeking.</p><p>The company has asked an arbitration panel to void its pilot contract so it can impose up to $325 million in cuts. The pilots union has said it will strike if the contract is rejected.</p><p>The panel must rule by April 15, and the pilots have given their union leader authorization to call a strike anytime after April 17.</p><p>The union says its action Friday was to prepare for the possibility of a strike by having pilots remove flight gear and personal belongings from their lockers in crew rooms across the country.</p><p>The union said removing the items will prevent senior executives at the nation's third-largest carrier from blocking access to the equipment by a lockout.</p><p>Delta spokesman Bruce Hicks said the airline's "focus will remain and our energies will remain on the critical issue of reaching a consensual agreement," adding that "that's the most important action, and in everyone's best interest."</p>