Release #: ATI 23.17
November 14, 2023
ATI Pilots Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize a Strike
WASHINGTON—Air Transport International (ATI) pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have voted in support of a strike to achieve a long-overdue, competitive contract. In an overwhelming display of solidarity, more than 98 percent of members participated in the vote, and 99.7 percent of voters chose to authorize their union leaders to call a strike. The pilots have been in negotiations with ATI management for 3.5 years.
“Today, ATI pilots sent a clear, unified message to management that we are willing to go the distance to secure a new contract,” said Capt. Mike Sterling, chair of the ATI ALPA Master Executive Council. “Now is the time for ATI to deliver a new contract that reflects the value we bring to the airline as highly skilled professionals. Our goal is to reach an agreement, not to strike. The ball is in management’s court, and it’s time for them to get serious at the bargaining table and invest in our pilots.”
Before a strike can take place, the National Mediation Board must first decide that additional mediation efforts would not be productive and offer the parties an opportunity to arbitrate the contract dispute. If either side declines the arbitration, both parties enter a 30-day “cooling off” period, after which the parties can engage in self-help—a strike by the union or a lockout by management.
“Today’s vote demonstrated ATI pilots’ collective resolve for achieving a contract that will allow ATI to be a career destination for professional pilots,” said Sterling.
ATI has faced staggering pilot attrition over the last two years as pilot groups across the industry achieve significant gains in contract negotiations, making careers at other carriers much more appealing. Year-to-date, 220 pilots have left ATI—a startling 35 percent of the airline’s pilots.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 77,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines, including 684 ATI pilots. Visit alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org