Release # 01.37
May 1, 2001

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Sun Country Airlines pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International, will conduct informational picketing Wednesday through Friday, May 2-4 at the grand opening of the new Hubert H. Humphrey Terminal at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport.

Sun Country ALPA pilots and management entered negotiations a year ago this month. After just five months of talks, the pilots requested the intervention of the National Mediation Board (NMB) in November 2000.

Pilots at the Minnesota-based airline are seeking improvements in pay and retirement. Since 1992, Sun Country pilots have only seen a 4% increase in pay. Furthermore, Sun Country pilots are asking for a retirement plan that surpasses the current ¼ of one percent based on a maximum of 5% of annual income.

"With the recent improvements and enhancements here at Sun Country making front page news, the pilots feel it’s time for management to invest in us," said Capt. George Barbes, chairman of the Sun Country ALPA unit. "After all, Sun Country Airlines can’t continue to fly high without its professional pilots."

Sun Country pilots’ informational picketing will be held on the sidewalk in front of the new Hubert H. Humphrey Terminal at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport as follows:

Wednesday, May 2, 2001 – 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CDT

Thursday, May 3, 2001 – 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CDT

Friday, May 4, 2001 – 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CDT

With headquarters in Mendota Heights, Minn., Sun Country’s 300 pilots provide charter and scheduled service in the United States and abroad and are transitioning to an all new fleet of Boeing next generation 737s.

Formed in 1931, ALPA is the world’s oldest and largest pilots union, representing 59,000 airline pilots at 49 carriers in the United States and Canada.

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ALPA Contacts: Stacy Platone, 703-481-4440

Rick Herman, 651-336-9012 (available on-site in Minneapolis)