US Airways Express Pilots Have Been In Negotiations Since 2009

June 9, 2012, marked the third anniversary of the start of contract negotiations for the pilots of PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of US Airways Group, Inc. PSA pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), used the occasion to send a "strong message" to company executives: now is the time to reach a deal that rewards PSA pilots for the valuable service they provide to their airline and their passengers.

“PSA pilots demand to be recognized for the exceptional contributions we make to our airline’s operations,” said Capt. Jesse Coeling, chairman of ALPA’s PSA chapter. To underscore this point, PSA pilots are promoting the message “Our Day Has Value” in a show of unified support for their Negotiating Committee.

PSA pilots, who fly under the US Airways Express brand, have been in negotiations with management since June 2009; the two parties have been working with a federal mediator since October 2011. The next bargaining session will be held June 11–14, 2012. “Frankly, three years is too long to be in negotiations,” Capt. Coeling said. He notes that much has changed in the U.S. airline industry since 2009, and the future is uncertain, making this the right time to reach a deal.

“Securing a fair, improved contract now not only recognizes the important role our pilots play in our airline’s operations, but also provides the necessary stability for PSA and US Airways to succeed in this dynamic environment,” Capt. Coeling said. “We are committed to achieving this goal, and we call on our management to come to the bargaining table next week ready to work toward an agreement by the end of the summer.”

FMI: www.alpa.org