Release #08.PCL4
April 30, 2008
MEDIA ADVISORY
Northwest Airlink and Delta Connection Pilots to Protest Three Years Without a New Contract in Front of Pinnacle Airlines Corporate Headquarters
MEMPHIS, TN — The pilots of Pinnacle Airlines (NASDAQ: PCLA), 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.
# # #
ALPA CONTACT: Capt. Scott Erickson (651) 226-3797
Capt. Amy Kotzer (612) 385-1885
Kimberly Seitz (703) 609-1650 or
Kimberly.Seitz@alpa.org