ALPA's Communications Department provides information and support for news media inquiries. An ALPA communications representative can be reached in the Herndon, Va. office at (703) 481-4440.

News Release

February 14, 2002

America West Pilots Elect Union Leader, Prepare to Resume Contract Talks

PHOENIX — With the election of a new chairman and the re-appointment of a negotiating committee, the pilots of America West, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), are set to resume mediated contract negotiations with the airline in March.

The America West pilots’ union governing body, the Master Executive Council (MEC), voted unanimously yesterday to elect Captain Herb Holland as the union’s new chairman. Holland replaces Captain Roger Cox, who was recalled from office by the MEC in January.

"I am honored to serve my fellow pilots as we resume negotiations for a fair contract with America West," Captain Holland said. "With the outstanding team we have in place and the support of all America West pilots behind us, we are ready to return to the table to achieve a working agreement that recognizes the sacrifices the pilots have made to help our airline survive and succeed."

Holland, a former Marine Corps pilot and Vietnam combat veteran, has been with America West since 1990. Holland previously served as the union’s Grievance Committee chairman.

In addition, the MEC appointed Captains Kimble Neel, Doug Dotter, and Jeff O’Connell and First Officer Russ Payne to the union’s Negotiating Committee. Captain John Chesire will serve as an alternate member of the committee.

Negotiations between the pilots and America West began in February 2000 and their current contract became amendable on May 1, 2000. Beginning in May 2001, talks were conducted under the auspices of a federally appointed mediator but were postponed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Including the 1,800 America West pilots, ALPA represents 64,000 pilots at 45 airlines in the United States and Canada.

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ALPA Contact: Scott Sherrin, (602) 306-4100