In opposition to a possible linkup between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers made a statement on Monday, February 25, 2008 that they would "oppose any merger that negatively impacts [their] members and the traveling public". According to the union's District 143, the district that represents customer service agents and ramp workers at Northwest Airlines, members of the IAM's Transportation Merger Team are meeting with other parties and individuals who are against airline mergers on a regular basis, including key representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives:

http://www.iam143.org/PDF%20Files/MergerWatch22508.pdf

Delta and Northwest are not required to gain permission from union groups before combining. However, support of the pilots and other employee groups at both airlines would be essential in escalating the deal. ALPA, the union representing pilots at both Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, have continued their discussions of merging seniority lists over the weekend as the two carriers are on the brink of making a merger announcement. Inside sources say any continued delay of formally announcing a merger plan could put the entire transaction at risk. Shares of Delta and Northwest were trading lower on Monday as investors began to worry that a deal will not happen anytime soon.

Airline analyst reactions are mixed. Information from inside sources involving pilot negotiations last week provided "rumored" situations as those talks progressed. Because additional information was not "leaked" the last few days of last week and over the past weekend, some analysts believe this could be an indication that a deal is close at hand. Others believe this could be an indication the deal is at a standstill.

[Edited 2008-02-25 12:47:03]