MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The pilots of Pinnacle Airlines , as represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), will hold a rally and informational picketing event in front of the Pinnacle Airlines corporate headquarters. Pilots are protesting the glacial pace of their contract negotiations, now in their fourth year, and management's refusal to recognize the pilots' contributions to the success of the airline.
Why:
The Pinnacle pilots' contract became amendable May 1, 2005. Pinnacle pilots are the only Pinnacle employee group that has not had a raise in more than four years. Pinnacle management is expanding the company (with its purchase of Colgan Air) without recognizing how the sacrifice and dedication of their pilots have assisted with Pinnacle's bottom line. Pinnacle Airlines continues to grow and sign new Air Services Agreements with other carriers, while leaving their pilots near the bottom in pay and work rules compared to other regional carriers.
When: Thursday, May 1, 2008 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Informational Picketing
12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Rally; speakers include ALPA President Capt. John Prater
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Informational Picketing Where: Pinnacle Airlines headquarters, 1689 Nonconnah Boulevard, Memphis TN Background:
Pinnacle pilots and management have been negotiating for a new contract since February 2005. Pinnacle management made what was characterized as a "last and best offer" in December 2005, and has refused to earnestly participate in negotiations since that time. Pilots and management remain far apart on key issues, such as retirement, job security, and compensation. Both sides entered mediated negotiations in late September 2006. Pinnacle employs 1,244 pilots.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilots union and represents more than 56,000 pilots at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.
