At a time when its failure to establish its expenses lost part of its Delta contract to SkyWest (SKYW), Comair's pilots are continuing threats to strike, but for now are only launching informational picketing. (RAN, December 4, p.1) The strike was authorized by 93.2 percent of the vote, although it is not known how many of Comair's 1,600 pilots participated. The airline has gained much-needed concessions from all its other workgroups but still seeks $15.8 million annually from pilots, about an 11 percent cut in their average $58,000 salary, as part of its restructuring plan.

However, pilots continue to hold out and in its statement about the strike vote they said "We are united in our resolve and will not work under imposed conditions." The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said the lower wages would mean Comair pilot pay would be below market levels "and make some pilots eligible for federal welfare assistance." Pilots also insisted the concessions were not necessary since the airline was profitable.

Negotiations resumed last Monday at the urging of the airline's federal bankruptcy court.

Earlier this month, SkyWest was selected for the first allocation of connection flying consisting of 12 Bombardier (BBD) CRJ700s, once operated by Comair. The move brings to fruition Comair's contention that its costs are not competitive with the rest of industry and emphasizes the need for it to cut costs. Earlier this fall, management indicated it could lose up to 42 aircraft in Delta's new bidding process including all 27 70-seat aircraft as well as 15 50-seaters. Delta's choice may mean the elimination of 264 pilot and flight attendant jobs, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.