Release #01.38

May 2, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C.---The following statement was issued today by Capt. Roger Cox, chairman of the America West pilots’ Master Executive Council, a unit of the Air Line Pilots Association:

"We are disappointed, but hardly surprised, that the company has as much as admitted that it has no interest in further direct negotiations. Management has been largely unresponsive to our attempts to negotiate in earnest for a fair contract.

"Unfortunately, bringing in a federal mediator will do little to further progress if the company persists in its strategy of trying to get us to negotiate with ourselves. Negotiations, be they face-to-face or under the auspices of a mediator, must be a two-way street.

"My message to management right now is that the door is always open – but we cannot reach a fair and equitable contract talking to ourselves. The ball is in their court."

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ALPA CONTACT: Scott Sherrin (602) 306-4100