4 Year Deal Includes Wage Increases, Furlough Protection

Island Air pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), today announced the signing of their new collective bargaining agreement with management. Among the immediate improvements included in the four-year agreement are wage increases, work rule advances and furlough protections. Specifically, Island Air pilots will receive annual wage increases totaling 12 percent over the next four years, as well as other economic and work rule improvements that allow for increased compensation.

“Faced with many challenges throughout the negotiating process, we believe the end result speaks for itself,” said Captain Charlie Ciszek, chairman of the ALPA unit at Island Air. “We are pleased with management’s willingness to work with us toward achieving a new agreement that recognizes the pilots’ contributions to the success of Island Air. We are aware of the competitive market in which we fly and this agreement also provides management with the tools they need to maintain the quality service our loyal customers have come to expect and grow our business.”

The Island Air pilots’ contract became amendable November 30, 2007, and after 16 months of negotiations, the pilots reached a Tentative Agreement with management. Upon approval by the Island Air Master Executive Council—the union’s governing body—this Tentative Agreement was given to the pilot membership. Informational meetings were held for Island Air pilots to ask questions about the proposed agreement and provide feedback. With overwhelming support from the membership, the elected pilot leaders at Island Air ratified the agreement. It was then signed by ALPA and Island Air representatives, with the final signature coming from ALPA President Captain John Prater.

“The new Island Air pilot contract is an incredible accomplishment,” said Captain Prater. “Negotiations are challenging even in the best of circumstances, yet Island Air pilots persevered through extremely difficult economic conditions and reached an agreement with gains in several key areas. They, along with their management team, are a prime example on how we can—and should—work together for the benefit of the airline and the employees who make the airline a success.”

FMI: www.alpa.org