Release #: 22.37
November 03, 2022

ALPA Statement on Pilot Contract Negotiations

McLean, Va.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today issued the following statement in response to the current collective bargaining environment for airline pilot contracts.

“Pilots made extraordinary sacrifices throughout the pandemic to keep flying safe and the world connected, all while helping to save the airline industry and economy from total collapse. Our union’s collective efforts prevented mass layoffs, protected the health and safety of passengers and frontline workers alike, and positioned airlines for post-pandemic success. It’s way past time for the CEOs of these companies to recognize our contributions when they come to the bargaining table. Like passengers, pilots have had enough. Today, we face new threats, like airlines that are overscheduling and trying to circumvent airline safety regulations, all on top of record flight delays and cancellations.

“Despite a strong recovery and significant profits, airlines continue to ignore the simple reality that their business plans won’t fly without the pilots onboard. Many pilots are still working under contracts negotiated years ago, long before the world was disrupted by COVID-19. Returning to a prepandemic mindset is an unwise business choice and ignores the reality of the changing work world.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 65,000 pilots at 40 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