North American Pilots Pick Union

Pilots at North American Airlines, a charter carrier that provides service to civilian and military passengers, have voted to join the Teamsters Union. Out of 117 eligible pilots, the vote was 78 for the Teamsters and two for the Air Line Pilots Association.

"This indicates a major success for members of the pilots group, who wanted a strong collective voice," said Don Treichler, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

The National Mediation Board, the federal agency that oversees labor relations in the aviation industry, supervised a telephone electronic voting election. Ballots were mailed to the pilots on December 23 and the votes were tallied yesterday.

Based out of JFK Airport, North American Airlines is a fully certified US-flag air carrier that offers air transportation services throughout the world. The airline also has bases in Oakland and Boston.

North American pilots, who will become members of Local 747 in Houston, said they voted for the Teamsters because they want their fair share of the profits their hard work has generated, and a contract that protects them from arbitrary, ever-changing work rules.

"Now we will sit down with management at the earliest opportunity to work out an agreement amenable to all the parties concerned," Treichler said.

FMI: www.teamster.org