Release #06.PCL5
November 7, 2006

Northwest Airlink Pilots to Informational Picket to Express Frustration over Stalled Negotiations

Minneapolis, MN — The Pinnacle Airlines (PCL) pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will conduct informational picketing on Wednesday, November 8, at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Pilots are protesting management’s refusal to earnestly participate in the negotiations process and their reluctance to recognize the pilots’ contributions to Pinnacle’s profitability. Based in Memphis, Pinnacle operates as a Northwest Airlink carrier and operates 124 modern, sophisticated jet aircraft.

Why:
Pinnacle management has begun putting an inordinate amount of pressure on the pilots and their families in a misguided attempt to force a substandard deal with pilots that does not recognize the pilots’ contributions to the success of Pinnacle Airlines. Pinnacle pilots are currently one of the lowest paid pilot groups in the industry.

When:
Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT

Where:
At the beginning and end of the Ticketing Level on the parking garage side of the roadway.

Background:
Pinnacle pilots and management have been negotiating for a new contract since February 2005. Pinnacle management made what was characterized as a “last, best, final offer” in May 2006, and has refused to earnestly participate in negotiations since that time. Pilots and management remain far apart on issues such as retirement, scheduling, job security, and compensation. Both sides entered mediated negotiations in late September. Pinnacle employs 1,244 pilots.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing 61,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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ALPA CONTACT: Capt. Wake Gordon, (901) 527-0355
Kimberly Seitz, (703) 481-4440 or media@alpa.org