Addresses The Imminent Furlough Threat To More Than 2,850 Pilots

The elected union leaders of the United pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl., (ALPA) have reached a tentative agreement (TA) with United Airlines management that addresses the imminent furlough threat to more than 2,850 pilots.

The pilots’ elected leadership voted unanimously to send the agreement for full pilot membership ratification after determining the agreement met the following goals:

• Preventing pilot furloughs until June 2021
• Offering a second round of early separation options for all pilots age 50+ with 10 years experience
• Adding restrictions on express carrier flying
• Securing triggers for a pay raise and additional permanent contract modifications that improve work conditions for all United pilots

“This TA underscores our commitment to all 13,000 United pilots and represents the importance of creative solutions needed to mitigate massive layoffs for our pilots,” said United pilot union Chairman Capt. Todd Insler.  “Hundreds of thousands of airline workers need the CARES Act extension, but with pilot furloughs just weeks away, we can’t wait. This is our union and our responsibility to take care of each other to ensure there is a temporary lifeline to keep all of our pilots at United flying.”

On August 28, United sent 2,850 pilots furlough notices. Historically, United pilots have taken care of each other, everything from assisting with COBRA payments to pilot furloughees, to our most senior pilots opting to take early retirements.  

“Through past bankruptcies, mergers, strikes, 9/11 and other adverse events affecting this airline, United pilots have always taken care of each other,” said Capt. Insler. “I am confident the COVID-19 global pandemic is another challenge we will overcome. Through pilot unity and resolve, we will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of United pilots.”  

The next step is for United pilots to vote on whether to accept the TA as a new part of the collective bargaining agreement. The majority of the union’s leadership has endorsed this agreement and is recommending that the agreement be ratified.

FMI: www.alpa.org