Release #04.035
August 19, 2004

ATA Airlines ALPA MEC Chairman Statement on Contractual Relief Talks

CHICAGO, IL. --- The following statement was released today by Capt. Erik Engdahl, chairman of the ATA Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) crewmembers unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) regarding discussions on contractual relief.

"The ATA MEC adopted a resolution today that directs our negotiating committee to engage in discussions with ATA management to determine what contractual relief might be needed and how that need could be met. We gave much thought to this subject and looked at the options available to us. We feel that this is the best course of action available to us and look forward to productive meetings. We believe in our airline, and we believe in its continued success."

ALPA, the world’s oldest and largest pilots union, represents 64,000 airline pilots at 42 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Its website is www.alpa.org.

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ALPA CONTACTS: Ron Lovas (703) 481-4440