Analyzing Collective Bargaining Processes, Current Management Tactics

How effective are current union collective bargaining processes, when it comes to negotiating new contracts for airline pilots? Airline pilot union officials from across North America are gathered in Dallas, TX for a two-day meeting to answer that very question.

The meeting, which began Tuesday morning, focuses on discussions of airline industry economics, contractual trends and an analysis of current collective bargaining pressures, according to representatives with the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), which are co-hosting the meeting comprised of the elected leaders, negotiating committee chairs and other key representatives of airline pilot unions from the United States and Canada.

"Pilots have said it loud and clear -- the time has arrived to restore the profession," said APA President Captain Ralph Hunter. "These meetings provide an invaluable opportunity to share information and plan strategy in bargaining for our fair share of the financial rewards generated by our industry’s return to profitability."

In all, some 70 union officials representing pilots from 16 different carriers are participating in the roundtable-style discussions.

"Despite the fact that we fly for many different carriers, it's evident that we share many common concerns as we seek to protect and enhance our pilots' career prospects," said SWAPA President Carl Kuwitzky.

Roundtable participants take turns hosting the twice-yearly meetings. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) hosted the most recent gathering this past February in Washington, DC.

"Our profession is dedicated to improving airline pilot pay and working conditions," said ALPA President Captain John Prater. "We learned after 9/11 that a unified effort is our only option to reach that goal."

Roundtable participants emphasized that as management at various carriers has awarded themselves bonuses, stock grants and other forms of compensation during the past couple of years, pilots' needs -- both financial and quality-of-life -- must be addressed as well.

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org, www.swapa.org