Release #08.025
May 20, 2008

CommutAir Pilots Vote ALPA
NMB Election Results Show Overwhelming Support for Union

WASHINGTON – The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced today that the pilots of CommutAir have selected the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) as their bargaining representative. According to the NMB, 107 of 118 eligible voters cast a ballot in support of ALPA, well above the threshold required for certification. Prior to the election, the CommutAir pilots were unrepresented.

“We welcome the CommutAir pilots into ALPA, and applaud the strength and unity those pilots showed by voting in a strong, international union as their representative,” said Capt. John Prater, president of ALPA. “We look forward to their active involvement in all of the Association’s activities.”

Capt. Shawn Marcin, one of the leaders of the CommutAir Pilots ALPA Organizing Committee who attended the NMB vote count, added, “We thank all of our pilots who supported the drive, and all of the ALPA volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this happen. Our goal now is to focus that energy on negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that protects our pilots and allows CommutAir to continue growing.”

CommutAir operates as Continental Connection, flying to 23 destinations throughout the Upper Midwest and Northeast from its base in Cleveland. Approximately 135 pilots fly the Bombardier Q200 for CommutAir.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union representing 55,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the United States and Canada.

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Contacts: Pete Janhunen, Linda Shotwell, Molly Martin, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org