SkyWest Airlines pilots voted Tuesday to reject the Air Line Pilots Association's (ALPA) efforts to become their bargaining representative. It was ALPA’s third attempt since 1999 to unionize the airline. In a vote conducted by the National Mediation Board, more than 65 percent of SkyWest Airlines' pilots voted to remain union free. SkyWest pilots have in house representation – SkyWest Airlines Pilots Association.
"We are pleased with our pilots' decision to reject third-party representation and to maintain our current relationship," said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines president and chief operating officer. "SkyWest's future is certainly positive, and we are pleased our pilots recognize that we can accomplish great things together as we work toward continued opportunity for our airline and our employees."
Sister company Atlantic Southeast Airlines is represented by ALPA and it took the company more than five years to reach a pact with pilots. Related Story
"This vote is an endorsement of the relationship that has worked so well throughout our history,” said SkyWest Vice President-Flight Operations Brad Holt. "SkyWest Airlines has been union free for more than 35 years, and the airline is dedicated to working with all employee groups to establish an environment of competitive wages, good working conditions and opportunity for personal and professional growth.”