ALPA Claims Deal Improves Pilots’ Pay, Quality of Life, and Job Security

The pilots of AirTran Airways have ratified a tentative agreement with AirTran management after almost six years of negotiations. 86.93 percent of the AirTran pilots who cast ballots supported the agreement. 93.28 percent of the AirTran pilot group participated in the ratification vote, which took place just weeks after Southwest Airlines’ announcement that it intends to acquire AirTran.

“By approving this contract, our members have signaled that they are focused on the future and ready to close a contentious chapter in our airline’s history,” said Linden Hillman, chairman of the AirTran chapter of ALPA. “This deal will provide real improvements in our members’ lives and allow us to concentrate on the important work of merging two great companies.” The contract, which is the AirTran pilot group’s first since joining ALPA in 2009, enhances pilots’ pay rates, quality of life, and career protections. Most elements of the new contract will take effect on December 1.

“ALPA provided us with an incredible amount of direction and support, and we thank them for their efforts,” said Hillman. “Their dedication to our pilot group has been impressive, and we know that it will continue through our merger process.”

“After nearly six years of hard-fought negotiations, this agreement is a positive step forward for the AirTran pilot group,” said Capt. John Prater, president of ALPA. “I congratulate AirTran pilots and their leaders on their solidarity and determination in getting to a new contract.”

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