Release #05.025
August 2, 2005

ALPA's Delta Connection ASA Pilots Take Their Message (Literally) on the Road!

ATLANTA, GA -- Motorists driving along I-85 near the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport may be wondering about the story behind a new billboard that mysteriously appeared last night, which sports the American flag and demands a "Fair Contract Now!" 

The 20’ x 60’ placard is from the pilots at Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l. (ALPA) and they want the public to know that after nearly three years of contract talks, it's time that the company came to terms on a new labor agreement.

“As the slogan on the billboard says, the company wants a full-time commitment from its pilots for what amounts to part-time compensation,” said Capt. Bob Arnold, chairman of the ASA pilots’ Master Executive Council. “We don't have a problem with commitment--we're already providing 100 percent to our airline--but we expect ASA to live up to its responsibilities and work with us to negotiate an agreement that reflects this level of commitment.”

“After three years of talks and no agreement, the ASA pilots are fed up and want the public to know it,” Capt. Arnold added. 

The billboard site along the east side of I-85 was strategically selected to reach travelers and employees at the airport, as well as company officials.

The ASA pilots began negotiations with management in September 2002, when their most current contract became amendable under the terms of the Railway Labor Act. Negotiations have been conducted with the assistance of the National Mediation Board since May 2004. 

Presently, the pilots and management have tentatively agreed to roughly a third of the existing sections of the current collective bargaining agreement. However, the pilots have presented proposals for all of the existing sections. The two parties are scheduled to meet for three sessions this month.

ASA operates under the “Delta Connection” livery. ASA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc.

ALPA represents 64,000 airline pilots at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Its website is www.alpa.org. 

Click here to view the billboard image.

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ALPA CONTACT: Capt. Rick Bernskoetter (678) 640-4510
John Perkinson (703) 481-4440