Air Transport International Vote To Be Held In 2011

After six years in contract negotiations, cockpit crewmembers at Air Transport International (ATI) say they welcome the opportunity to vote on a tentative agreement in principle which, if ratified by members, will result in a new contract. The tentative agreement is subject to a final review of the language, but the parties expect that to be accomplished by the end of 2010. The agreement represents the first contract for ATI crewmembers since they joined the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) in 2009.

The proposed four-year agreement would include pay increases as well as improved work rules and quality-of-life enhancements for cockpit crewmembers.

ALPA negotiators and ATI management met last week under the supervision of the National Mediation Board (NMB) and wrapped up 10 months of negotiations by inking a deal.

“We will be pleased to present to our crewmembers an agreement that satisfies their needs,” said Capt. Tom Rogers, chairman of the ATI unit of ALPA. “What brought these negotiations to where they are today is the fact that ATI crewmembers take great pride in the service they provide to the Company and that they are dedicated to seeing ATI prosper. It’s been a long road, and I believe that our determination has finally paid off.”

In January, the pilot leaders and the Negotiating Committee will begin a series of road shows at the crew hub and training centers to provide the membership with details of the agreement. After the education campaign is completed, all eligible ATI cockpit crewmembers will have the opportunity to vote on whether to ratify the agreement.

“The ATI crewmembers have earned these long-awaited improvements to their contract. I congratulate them for staying focused and unified throughout the years and through the transition from their previous union to ALPA last November,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “The ATI crewmembers’ solidarity with their Master Executive Council and negotiating team along with the support of this union provided them the backing and power to successfully complete negotiations.”

FMI: www.alpa.org