Release #: ARW 23.02
October 10, 2023
Air Wisconsin Pilots Ratify New Three-Year Contract with Significant Raises and Improved Scheduling
McLEAN, Va.—In a vote that closed today, Air Wisconsin pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract worth almost $48 million in new value over the life of the agreement. Of the 83 percent of eligible Air Wisconsin pilots who cast ballots, 93 percent voted in favor of the agreement.
The agreement includes an average 54 percent pay increase for first officers and a 38 percent increase for captains over the life of the contract. It addresses some of the most criticized aspects of Air Wisconsin schedules, and creates new protections for pilots who call in fatigued.
“With this agreement, Air Wisconsin pilot compensation finally reflects the pilot market for fee-for-departure pilots. It immediately makes us competitive with our peer carriers and will improve our quality of life,” said Capt. Jack Roback, chair of ALPA’s Air Wisconsin Master Executive Council. “The training section of the agreement will also enable the pilot group to be ready to fly newer, larger CRJ700 aircraft should Air Wisconsin acquire them in the future.”
Air Wisconsin had previously flown as a United Express partner before signing a new capacity purchase agreement with American Airlines in late 2022. The pilots opened negotiations with Air Wisconsin in August 2022, and began flying for American Airlines in March of this year.
“Thanks to the commitment and unity of our pilot group and the financial and professional resources supplied by our national union, we now have an agreement that recognizes the importance of Air Wisconsin pilots to the airline. We look forward to working with management to strengthen our new partnership with American Airlines,” Roback said.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 75,000 pilots at 43 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