Release #09.PCL3
September 24, 2009

Pinnacle Pilots Reject New Deal with Management

MEMPHIS – Pinnacle Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today rejected a new collective bargaining agreement with management. After an arduous four-and-a-half year negotiations process, Pinnacle pilots concluded that the job security enhancements, work rule improvements, pay increases, and signing bonus just weren’t substantial enough to warrant a yes vote.

“Pinnacle pilots believe there are sections of the tentative agreement that should be modified to better reflect their current needs,” said Capt. Scott Erickson, chairman of the Pinnacle arm of ALPA. “We look forward to working with the company to address these problem areas to achieve a successful ratification.”

The Pinnacle pilots’ contract became amendable May 1, 2005, and contract negotiations began in February 2005. Both sides have been assisted by the National Mediation Board since September 2006. The pilots are the only Pinnacle employee group that has not had a raise in more than five years.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,500 members at 36 airlines in the United States and Canada. Pinnacle Airlines provides feed to Delta Airlines using 50- and 70-seat Canadair regional jets. For more information, visit www.alpa.org.

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Contact: Scott Erickson, 651/226-3797
Doug Baj, 703/481-4456