PCL Negotiators Reach Deal with Management
MEC Meets to Discuss Ratification
In
the wee hours of Monday,
December 17, the
Pinnacle Airlines
Negotiating Committee
of the Air Line Pilots
Association, Int’l, reached a tentative
agreement (TA) with
Pinnacle Airlines
management on a deal
that is designed to
address the significant
financial hurdles that
caused the company to
file bankruptcy in April
2012 and meet the needs
of the pilots.
We appreciate the support of all Pinnacle pilots throughout this year-long
ordeal,” said Capt. Tom Wychor, MEC chairman. “Difficult decisions had to be
made, but our goal has always been to represent the needs of our pilots.”
The Pinnacle MEC met with the Negotiating Committee in Washington, D.C.,
today to evaluate the terms of the agreement, and are awaiting final language
before they vote. Should the MEC approve the TA, the Pinnacle Strategic
Preparedness Committee is scheduling a series of informational road shows prior
to a ratification vote.
“Due to the liquidity issues facing our company, we will
need to complete all roadshows and balloting on the new agreement by January
15,” Wychor added. “We intend to get all information out to every Pinnacle pilot
as soon as possible so that they can begin to process the information on this
important future decision.”
Both sides convened in the ALPA D.C. offices Monday, December 10, to begin
the round-the-clock bargaining that was necessary to reach an agreement that
provides significant cost savings, while at the same time preserving a future
for Pinnacle pilots. Senior management from Delta Air Lines also participated in
the discussions. Representatives from Delta worked closely with Pinnacle’s
management team to facilitate discussions and provide guidance on key questions
related to airline fleet and career progression opportunities for the Pinnacle
pilots. |