ALPA Joins D.C. Rally to Restore Worker's Rights

December 8, 2006 -- ALPA pilots and staff joined scores of other unions in a rally today in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol to demand that the next Congress restore and honor the rights of airline pilots and other working Americans.

Despite near-freezing temperatures and a wind chill in the high teens, nearly 100 ALPA pilots and staff stood their ground, demanding that the new Congress pass pro-worker legislation, including the Employee Free Choice Act. This Act would enable employees to choose freely whether they can join a union, without the threat of intimidation. The ALPA contingent stood in the heart of the union ranks, flanked by steelworkers, teachers, firefighters, and more.

According to ALPA’s president-elect, Capt. John Prater, “This rally sends a strong message to the new Congress. They must respect the rights of all working Americans, including airline pilots. Now it’s our turn, airline managements and CEOs need to wait in line.”

Numerous speakers headlined the rally including Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, and other local and national union leaders.