Western Global Pilots Unhappy With Progress of Negotiations

Pilots for Western Global Airlines have filed a joint request for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board. 

Joining the pilots in the request is the Air Lines Pilots Association, Int’l, (ALPA), the union representing the pilots. The request is for NMB to facilitate negotiations for the first contract between pilots and airline management. Negotiations have been ongoing for two years.

It was filed following a decision made by the pilots and union that the delayed responses to contract proposals indicates management is purposely slow-walking negotiations. In addition, management’s recent backtracking on proposals and improvements already agreed upon by both parties during the past year further support the appearance that management is delaying the process.

Western Global is a major freight carrier working with the U.S. Department of Defense and serves more than 400 airports. Pilot pay rates are below industry peers and they want the company to address economic and other issues that separate the parties.

Greg Pinckney, ALPA Western Global Master Executive Council chair said this, “After months of delays, it’s clear that Western Global management needs intervention to keep the company on a course of good-faith bargaining. We are asking the NMB to help us reach an agreement that recognizes the contributions our pilots have made to our company’s success.” He added, “Western Global pilots have shown a commitment to the company even during turbulent financial times. It’s time for the company to resolve the outstanding bargaining issues with its pilot group.”

FMI:  www.alpa.org/news-and-events/