Release #08.DHL2
March 5, 2008

ASTAR Air Cargo Crewmembers Ratify Contract

WASHINGTON, D.C.—ASTAR Air Cargo crewmembers, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) voted to ratify the amendments to their contract after three years of negotiations. Nearly 89 percent of the 427 eligible crewmembers voted, with 93 percent voting in favor of the agreement. The parties began negotiations in January 2005, and negotiations have been conducted with the assistance of the National Mediation Board since April 2006.

“We had a tremendous turnout from our crewmembers and we would like to thank everyone that voted for making their voice heard,” said Capt. Pat Walsh, who became chairman of the ASTAR pilots union on March 1. “It was a lengthy, hard-fought negotiation, but with the commitment of our pilots and the support of ALPA International we achieved a solid result in a tough environment and moved our group forward.”

The new contract for the ASTAR crewmembers, represents retro pay and more than 20 percent in pay increases over the course of the 4-year agreement. In addition, the pilots will receive furlough protections and a commitment by the company to secure new aircraft. The same minimum credit per day was retained.

The ASTAR Bargaining Committee was chaired by Captain Rick Revak who was assisted by Captain Lance Amaro and First Officer John Tobin. In the final weeks leading to the agreement, the Committee was supported by Master Executive Council members Pat Walsh and Mark Shue, and Chairman Earl Smith, along with Grievance Chairman Scott Spencer and Vice Chair Brady Murray. The Negotiating Counsel throughout was Assistant Director of Representation Art Luby.

ASTAR crewmembers carry roughly 50 percent of the weight out of Wilmington, Ohio, each night for DHL, the world’s largest and most experienced international air express network.

ALPA is the world's largest pilots union, representing 61,000 members who fly for 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA Website at http://www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contact: Doug Baj, (703) 481-4456