ATLANTA, Aug. 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Delta Air Lines is being recognized today by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a division of the Department of Defense, for its extensive support of National Guard and Reserve employees. Jerry Grinstein, Delta's CEO, together with ESGR's executive director, Bob Hollingsworth, signed a Five Star Statement of Support during a ceremony today at Delta's Atlanta headquarters.
"Delta's commitment to our men and women in uniform is something we view as an obligation to our country and to our employees, and reflects the core values of the people of this airline," said Grinstein. "I'm proud to be part of an organization that goes above and beyond for employees in the Armed Services, ensuring they are welcomed home with open arms when they return from their military commitments."
Delta employs nearly 1,000 Guard and Reserve employees with 350 currently on military leaves of absence. Delta provides full time benefits to all employees on military leave, far beyond what the law requires. In 2005, Delta was recognized as the top employer in the state of Georgia by ESGR for its support of military employees.
"Our national security is inextricably linked to America's employers," said Hollingsworth. "Supportive employers like Delta Air Lines are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."
The Five-Star Support Program was initiated to recognize employers who offer a greater level of support for their Guard and Reserve employees than required by law and includes the following milestones:
-- Sign a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for
its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
-- Review its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the
Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
-- Promote training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage
its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
-- Adopt polices and programs that are "over and above" what is required
by the USERRA Law.
-- Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve
and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.
The ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reservists and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.
Delta Air Lines (Other OTC:DALRQ) offers customers service to more destinations than any other global airline with Delta and Delta Connection carrier service to 295 destinations in 46 countries. With more than 50 new international routes added in the last year, Delta is America's fastest growing international airline and is the world's leading carrier between the United States and Europe with flights to 29 trans-Atlantic destinations. To Latin America, Delta offers nearly 500 weekly flights to 47 destinations and is quickly becoming the second-largest carrier in the region. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam partners, Delta offers flights to 463 worldwide destinations in 95 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
The Delta logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1825