Overwhelming 99 Percent Authorize Labor Action

Teamsters pilots flying for Omni Air International voted overwhelmingly to authorize the union’s leadership to call a strike when Omni or its parent company ATSG implement unilateral changes to working conditions without following the legally required process.

The vote comes a year after pilots voted unanimously to call a strike upon their release from negotiations by the National Mediation Board.

The 350 pilots are represented by the Airline Professionals Association-Teamsters Local 1224.

Omni is crucial to the transport of government and military clients like the DoD and U.S. Transport Command. It also serves customers such as Air Canada, WestJet, the United Nations, and the National Football League.

Greg Unterseher, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, Above the Wing, said, “The Teamsters urge Omni Air to honor the contributions of these pilots and stop implementing unlawful status quo changes. Our pilots are dedicated professionals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. If the company refuses to recognize our rights, we are prepared to act accordingly.”

Recent pilot surveys show that Omni pilots have serious concerns about safety, working conditions, and scheduling practices that cause pilot fatigue. Forty percent of pilots also report that Omni management has tried to coerce them into unsafe practices or violating FAA regulations.

Capt. Paul Rodell, a member of the Omni Air Pilots Executive Council said, “Our near-unanimous vote is a testament to the strength and unity of Omni Teamsters. Our pilots are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, service, and professionalism. But we cannot do this if the company continues to undermine our working conditions by implementing unlawful changes. Omni management has left us with no choice but to take direct action to protect our members and our livelihoods.”

FMI:  teamster.org/