Called A Significant Step Toward Reaching New Collective Bargaining Agreement With Pilots

US Airways subsidiary Piedmont Airlines has reached a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents the airline's 375 pilots, the airline announced late last week. The tentative agreement is subject to language being finalized, which is expected to occur over the next few weeks. Details of the agreement will be made available by ALPA.

"We are very pleased that Piedmont and ALPA, with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, have reached a tentative agreement on a contract for our pilots," said Steve Farrow, Piedmont Airlines president and CEO. "This is a significant step toward reaching a new collective bargaining agreement, and we thank the ALPA leadership and Mediator Andy Nordgren of the National Mediation Board for their dedication and support in reaching this tentative agreement."

ALPA will be presenting the details of the tentative agreement to its members for consideration once language is finalized in the coming weeks. 

“Although none of us wanted to negotiate for as long as it took,” said Capt. Bruce Freedman, chairman of the Piedmont unit of ALPA, “we strongly believe that this agreement provides not only short-term improvements, but also long-term career prospects both at Piedmont and at US Airways.”

Pending approval on the full contract language by ALPA and Piedmont management, the tentative agreement will be presented to the pilots at large in road shows before a membership ratification vote.

Piedmont Airlines operates a fleet of 44 Dash-8 aircraft, flying regional routes for US Airways throughout the central East Coast.

“We're very pleased that pilots represented by the ALPA continue to complete agreements that provide for both contract improvements and career progression. We appreciate the assistance of the National Mediation Board and the Company’s willingness to work hard to get a deal,” said Captain Lee Moak, ALPA’s president (pictured).

FMI: www.usairways.com, www.alpa.org