Unions Reach Agreement On Strategic Alliance

The Teamsters Airline Division announced today that it has signed an agreement forming an alliance with the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) to work together on issues that affect their members and the airline industry as a whole.

PATCO, headquartered in Stuart, FL, represents contract tower air traffic controllers, including the former PATCO strikers fired by President Reagan in 1981. In the business of air traffic control for over 40 years, PATCO represents contract towers throughout the United States, and is in the process of organizing other towers in the US and internationally.

"We are very excited that such an august, venerable organization of air traffic controllers has chosen to align with the Teamsters in order to pursue common objectives," said Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne. "We will join efforts and resources to enhance the safety, security and legislative interests of all employees in the airline industry."

The Alliance agreement calls for the two organizations to identify projects and issues of common concern on which they can collaborate.

"After long consideration of the many labor groups available, it became obvious to me that the Teamsters was the best transportation labor union in the business and best suited to PATCO going forward in today's aviation industry," said PATCO President Ron Taylor.

"We are looking forward to a long, fruitful relationship with the Teamsters," Taylor said. "This relationship will positively enhance the overall aviation community, from air traffic control to pilots."

"It's about time the industry came together as a whole," Taylor said. "I believe this is the first time in aviation history that an air traffic control organization and pilots are coming together for the betterment of the airline industry and its employees, as well as the flying public. It completes the circle."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

FMI: www.teamster.org, www.patco81.com