Pilots Still Contest MAIR

Pilots at Mesaba are still contesting MAIR, saying that a letter they signed three years ago guarantees them any new flying, including the expansion plans MAIR has for its Big Sky subsidiary with which it hopes to attract new contracts. Pilots are citing the “MAIR Letter,” signed to avert a strike three years ago, as still legally binding. However, Northwest’s recent acquisition of MAIR Holdings subsidiary Mesaba Airlines prompted MAIR CEO Paul Foley to tell Air Line Pilots Association members that his company was no longer bound by a January 2004 job security agreement requiring all MAIR operations above 19 seats be flown by Mesaba pilots in an effort to stop job migration to the smaller carrier. Mesaba’s Minnesota bankruptcy court did not nullify the agreement, despite MAIR’s attempts to do so saying the absence of a “duration clause,” meant it could be terminated at any time. MAIR is now seeking approval from a Texas court. Mesaba pilots object saying that they opted for job security three years ago instead of cash. Now they want Mesaba pilots to do any new flying MAIR may book.
"Our pilots came very close to striking Mesaba during protracted contract negotiations,” said the union. “The strike was averted, due in no small part to the attainment of the job security commitments which are recited in the MAIR Letter. MAIR CEO Paul Foley committed job security to Mesaba pilots then, and we expect him to remain committed to them today.” MAIR would not comment on the pilot complaint.