Union Hopes For Ratification By End Of Year

For the third time this year, America West and its pilots have reached a tentative contract agreement -- one the ALPA says will be voted on by the end of the year. The first two were turned down by union pilots in a dispute that's been ongoing for more than three-and-a-half years.

But this time, ALPA leaders say it's different.

"We're confident the pilot group is going to be receptive to these changes because they address the main issues pilots were concerned about," said Terry Stadler, chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association unit and an America West captain.

What was that issue? Long-term disability. The union wanted benefits extended to pilots until they reach 65 years of age. The airline wanted to cut off those benefits at age 60. "The pilots had a great amount of concern over that reduction," said Doug Dotter, chairman of the negotiating committee.

The new agreement also addresses pilots' concerns about retirement benefits offered to crew members 55 and older. Under the terms, pilots would have to work an additional three hours a month, but they'd get bigger productivity bonuses.

Will it work? After two failed attempts in one year, airline executives won't predict. "I don't even want to speculate," said spokeswoman Elise Eberwein. "The best thing for us to do is to trust in the union leadership. We were hopeful last time. I think both sides agree that it has been too long."

FMI: www.americawest.com