Release #: 22.30
August 31, 2022

ALPA Pilots to Stand in Solidarity at Nationwide Informational Picket

It’s Time for Airlines to Fix Operational Issues and Invest in Workers

MCLEAN, Va.— As the United States heads into the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) will host a nationwide informational picket tomorrow, Thursday, September 1, to send a strong message to airline management across the country that it’s time to address their operational problems and prioritize passengers, pilots and other frontline workers who made extraordinary sacrifices during the pandemic.

“ALPA pilots delivered during the pandemic and now it’s time for airlines to deliver for us. Because of the contributions of pilots and other crewmembers across the U.S., we kept supply chains moving and transported life-saving medical equipment, personnel, and vaccines to places where they were needed most. And aviation workers fought to keep the airline industry afloat through significant federal taxpayer support. Unfortunately, some airlines squandered the opportunity to adequately plan for post-pandemic flying, and the result has been unprecedented flight delays and cancellations. It’s time for management to prioritize passengers and pilots – and invest in the people who keep our country moving,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA president.

ALPA pilots will hold informational pickets at 12 airports across the United States, calling on management to fix the operational problems that are causing a significant increase in flight delays, and cancellations.

“Delta pilots were on the frontline during COVID to provide transportation to essential workers. When travel demand returned sooner than expected and management overscheduled the airline, we stepped up to fly historic levels of overtime so our customers could return to the skies. We broke overtime records again in June and July. With Labor Day approaching, our message to Delta management is clear: It’s time to acknowledge your frontline leaders and get serious at the negotiating table,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, chair of the Delta ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).

“JetBlue pilots are committed to providing the flying public with safe, reliable transportation,” said Capt. Chris Kenney, chair of the JetBlue ALPA MEC. “However, this can only be accomplished when management works with the pilot group to create reasonable schedules and have sufficient staffing. To continue the post-pandemic recovery, the aviation industry must rebuild trust—both with the public and with the professional pilots. This has been a challenging summer for airlines across the country and pilots are just as frustrated as the public. JetBlue pilots stepped up to keep the operation running and it is time for management to step up and do their part.”

“On Thursday, we will stand together as ALPA pilots to demonstrate our unity across airlines because when thousands of pilots speak together, we are heard,” said Capt. Ryan Muller, chair of the Spirit ALPA MEC. “Pilots are seeking recognition for their contributions to their companies' bottom line, especially through the pandemic and recovery, in the form of improved compensation and work rules. As we begin our negotiations with Spirit management this month, we will be seeking a market-based contract that will make Spirit Airlines a career destination for professional pilots."

“United pilots look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow ALPA pilots tomorrow at airports across the country,” said Capt. Mike Hamilton, chair of the United ALPA MEC. “Our pilots have done incredible work throughout this difficult summer, and throughout the pandemic, meeting numerous new challenges with professionalism and a steadfast focus on safety. On this Labor Day weekend, our nationwide show of unity proves we’re not only here to improve the United pilot contract but to help improve the lives and working conditions for all pilots.”

In addition to the informational picket, ALPA recently joined forces with other aviation worker labor unions and called on airline CEOs to pledge to stabilize the industry with reliable operations and good jobs before diverting any airline profits to Wall Street through stock buybacks.

For more information about the informational picket, visit alpa.org.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 66,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org