Release #06.PCL6
December 1, 2006

ALPA President to Join Pinnacle Airlines Pilots in Demonstration in front of Company Headquarters

Memphis — The pilots of Pinnacle Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will shut down part of a major street in front of Pinnacle Airlines Company headquarters to protest management’s deliberate stall tactics in negotiating a new contract. Joined by ALPA President, Capt. Duane Woerth, Pinnacle pilots will also express their displeasure at management’s reluctance to recognize the pilots’ contributions to Pinnacle’s profitability. Based in Memphis, Pinnacle operates as a Northwest Airlink carrier, and Pinnacle pilots fly 1,360 daily flights on 124 modern, sophisticated jet aircraft.

Who: More than 150 Pinnacle pilots, operating as Northwest Airlink; Capt. Duane Woerth, ALPA President.

When: Tuesday, December 5; picketing begins at 10:15 a.m., rally is from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: In front of the Pinnacle Airlines Company Headquarters, 1689 Nonconnah Boulevard (near Mill Branch Road), Memphis, TN.

Why: Pinnacle Airlines management has put in minimal effort at the negotiating table since both sides engaged a national mediator in September. Pinnacle pilots are currently one of the lowest paid pilot groups in the industry and have some of the worst work rules among regional pilots.

Background: Pinnacle pilots and management have been negotiating for a new contract since February 2005. Pinnacle management made what was characterized as a “last, best, final offer” in May 2006, and, since that time, has refused to earnestly participate in negotiations as required by law. Pilots and management remain far apart on several issues, such as retirement, scheduling, job security, and compensation. Pinnacle employs 1,244 pilots.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing 61,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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ALPA CONTACT: Capt. Wake Gordon, (901) 527-0355
Kimberly Seitz, (703) 481-4440 or media@alpa.org