In the wake of a law suit filed by the Air Line Pilots Association and a contract ratification by dispatchers, Pinnacle is facing a pilots strike after its pilots voted to authorize a strike should contract negotiations not come to fruition. Pinnacle pilots and management have been negotiating for a new contract since February 2005, and have been in federally mediated negotiations since September 2006. Ninety nine percent of its 1,200 pilots favored the strike vote, according to ALPA.
Pilots are free to "conduct a lawful withdrawal of service if contract talks with management do not result in an agreement and both sides are released to economic self-help by the National Mediation Board," according to an ALPA release.
"After nearly three years of negotiations, during which Pinnacle Airlines has continued to post a profit and increase its flying with the new Delta Connection Air Services Agreement, our pilots have had enough," said Scott Erickson, chairman of the Pinnacle pilots unit of ALPA, in a statement. "Pinnacle pilots haven't had a raise in several years, and we've seen very little progress from management in negotiating a contract that recognizes our role in the success of this airline."
Pinnacle is currently being sued by ALPA, charging that the unilateral implementation of pilot bonus programs by changing pay and working conditions of the pilots violated the Railway Labor Act (RLA). Pinnacle called the suit totally without merit. However, President and CEO Phil Trenary expressed frustration with the negotiations. Speaking during the Q3 conference call he twice said that they’ve thought they had an agreement, complete with handshake only to find out later the goal posts had moved. “We feel like Charlie Brown and Lucy with the football,” he said. Related Story
Pinnacle Airlines Inc., recently reached an initial contract with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) which represents the airline’s dispatchers group. Dispatchers ratified the agreement with 88 percent voting in favor of the contract. Related Story