Flight Dispatchers To Vote On A First Contract

Negotiators for the flight dispatchers of Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo, represented by the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, way that a tentative agreement has been reached on a first contract for the members.

The FAA-licensed flight dispatchers, who are members of Local 210, are responsible for coordination with aircraft flight crews to ensure the safe dispatch and in-flight monitoring of all flights around the world for Atlas Air, Inc., and Polar Air Cargo, the world's largest all-Boeing 747 cargo airline. Atlas and Polar conduct cargo operations for many airlines and provide important airlift of cargo and troops for the U.S. military.

The dispatchers voted for Teamster representation four years ago and negotiations began in October 2009. The tentative agreement includes extensive economic improvements as well as multiple positive work rule changes.

"The Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo flight dispatchers are among the best in the industry," said George Miranda, President of Teamsters Local 210. "This agreement recognizes that and, more importantly, it takes them from being at-will employees to contractual employees with security and job protection benefits. Discussions with the company were very businesslike and I believe we have an agreement that recognizes the value of our members and acknowledges the responsibility they bring to the job daily."

"The agreement recognizes the needs of our members and the company, and further helps position them to continue a record of growth and its preeminent position as a world-class airline," said Dennis Gerber, a steward and member of the Negotiations Committee.

Upon being notified of the tentative agreement, Teamsters Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne said, "I would like to commend the leadership and negotiators, especially George Miranda, president of Teamsters Local 210, and International Vice President; Cynthia DeFigueiredo, representative; Dennis Gerber, steward; Paul Alves, International Representative, and Steven Nagrotsky, Deputy Division Director, as well as Atlas Air management for their professionalism and diligence in the negotiations," he concluded.

A vote on the agreement has not yet been scheduled, but is anticipated very soon.

FMI: www.teamster.org