Trans States Pilots Want Contract

Trans States Airlines pilots have yet to reach an agreement after two and a half years of bargaining and are now urging management to get serious. Pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) and want management to come to the negotiating table this week to complete a contract that “recognizes the pilots' professionalism and dedication to the financially successful airline.” TSA is a code share partner for United Airlines, American Airlines and US Airways.
They expressed frustration at the lack of progress and “management's unwillingness to wholeheartedly engage in the process mediated by the National Mediation Board.” Direct negotiations began in February 2006 and mediated negotiations began a year later with all the major sections of the contract, including compensation, remaining unresolved.
“TSA pilots have endured a substandard contract for more than eight years, with pay seven percent to 23 percent below that of other pilots at airlines of comparable size providing comparable service,” said Capt. Jason Ruszin, chairman of the TSA unit of ALPA. “This substandard pay is particularly insulting because Trans States is among the most profitable airlines and is the fifth largest in the regional industry. Many pilots at TSA are side-stepping to better-paying airlines or leaving the industry altogether. Our substandard contract, pay, and work rules have ruined morale and are driving good pilots elsewhere."