Release #11.TSA
July 12, 2011

United Express Pilots Reach Tentative Agreement on a New Contract
Deal Includes Wage Increases and Enhanced Work Rules

WASHINGTON—After more than five years of contract negotiations, the pilot leaders at Trans States Airlines (TSA), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), announced today they had reached a tentative agreement with company representatives on a new four-year labor contract. The agreement, which includes wage increases, better work rules, and stronger job security provisions, will be sent to the entire pilot group for ratification in the next few weeks.

“The proposed new agreement includes improvements in many sections of our contract with significant improvements in compensation,” said Capt. Jason Ruszin, chairman of the TSA unit of ALPA. “No longer will first officer second-year pay be 25 percent below industry average; or will the five-year limitation on their pay scale be a limitation on their earnings. Cancellation pay on a leg-by-leg basis, industry average wage rates across the board, and the closing of many contract loopholes will not only put all our pilots’ pay on par with others in the industry, but will provide for a better overall work environment.”

TSA pilots have been among the lowest-paid in the industry and this new deal will bring them closer to the industry standard with an average 11.7 percent increase in captain’s pay and an average 14.5 percent increase in first officer’s pay. The pilots will also receive a signing bonus.

“I congratulate the patience and unwavering perseverance shown by the TSA pilots in their pursuit of a fair contract that recognizes their professionalism and expertise,” said Capt. Lee Moak, president of ALPA. “The dedication and focus of the TSA pilot leaders to reach a deal in this current economic climate is commendable. As we enter the voting phase of these negotiations, the TSA pilots are well positioned with the full support, resources, and voice of the world’s most powerful pilot union.”

“Trans States pilots provided Trans States Holdings [the parent company of TSA] the financial resources to start up GoJet Airlines and purchase Compass Air,” said Ruszin. “This TA finally recognizes the sacrifices the TSA pilots have made to the continued growth of the company, and will allow both parties to move forward and expand this airline together.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in the United States and Canada, including the nearly 300 pilots of TSA. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contacts: Jason Ruszin, 610-805-5387
Kimberly Seitz, 703-481-4440