Release #05.049
October 17, 2005

United Express ALPA Pilots Conduct Informational Picketing to Protest Management Tactics

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Trans States Airlines (TSA) pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will conduct informational picketing at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport on October 18 and 19.

Why:    To protest their management’s decision to defy the pilot labor contract by operating an “alter ego” carrier--GoJet-- without the use of TSA pilots. Trans States Airlines is obligated by the scope clause of its pilot collective bargaining agreement to ensure that TSA pilots represented by ALPA operate all TSA aircraft. GoJet is clearly an extension of the TSA operation.
When:    Tuesday, October 18, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CST and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST
Wednesday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CST and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST
Where:    Lambert-St. Louis International Airport--curbside at the entrances in front of the United ticket counters.
Background:    TSA operates as a United Express carrier as part of a marketing agreement with UAL, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines. Trans States management applied for certification in December 2004 with the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate GoJet as a separate airline. ALPA contends that Trans States pilots can and should perform GoJet flying. In April 2005, TSA reached an agreement with UAL to provide GoJet service with its Canadair 70-seat aircraft. Recently, the TSA pilots voted against a below-industry average proposal offered by management to fly the aircraft.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing 64,000 pilots at 41 airlines in the United States and Canada. ALPA’s website is www.alpa.org.

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ALPA CONTACT: Kimberly Seitz, (703) 481-4463
Jason Kagan, (618) 409-3293