Release #02.050
June 6, 2002

ATA Cockpit Crewmembers Conduct First Nationwide Informational Picketing

Chicago, IL – As contract negotiations pass the two-year mark and pilot negotiators get ready to start a marathon eight-day session of mediated bargaining this coming Monday, ATA cockpit crewmembers will put up informational picket lines across the country on Friday, June 7, 2002. ATA cockpit crewmembers, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will spend Friday morning volunteering their time explaining their position to the traveling public and showing their negotiators that the entire pilot group stands firmly behind them at the bargaining table.

"Management has said that a successful end to negotiations is achievable in June. If management is genuinely determined and committed to this objective, it WILL get done. The pilots are certainly ready," explained B-737-800 Capt. Matt Ellis, a pilot spokesman for the union. "This nationwide informational picketing event is significant because it shows that all ATA cockpit crewmembers are ready to sign a fair contract now. Moreover, we are optimistic that this massive, collective event not only will be a positive show of support, but it also may be an instrumental part of closing the deal during the next round of talks, just in time for the busy summer travel season." Capt. Ellis added, "It will be unfortunate if management blows this opportunity."

Picketing will take place near ATA Ticket counters at the following locations and times*

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) 7:00 -10:00 a.m.
Indianapolis Airport (IND) 7:00 -10:00 a.m.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 8:00 -10:30 a.m.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 7:00 -10:00 a.m.

ATA cockpit crewmembers’ current contract became amendable in September 2000 and negotiations started in May 2000. In December 2001, ALPA requested the intervention of the National Mediation Board, which has overseen talks for the past six (6) months. Throughout the past 25 months of negotiations, ATA cockpit crewmembers have sought an industry-quality contract that recognizes their professionalism and rewards their sacrifices which helped build ATA into the tenth largest carrier in the nation. Currently, ATA cockpit crewmembers earn about half the salary of their counterparts at other major airlines and receive substantially inadequate retirement and other benefits.

ALPA is the world’s oldest and largest pilots union, representing 66,000 members at 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit ALPA online at www.alpa.org.

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Contacts:

Capt. Matt Ellis (MDW) 310-213-9324

Capt. Kevin Friel (MDW) 401-965-1661

Capt. Don Hein (IND) 317.865.7627

Stacy Platone (ALPA) 703.481.4440