CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Pilots at US Airways (LCC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) are headed toward an election that could oust the Air Line Pilots Association as their union representative, in a particularly timely example of what can happen when there is no agreement on the seniority list in an airline merger.
On Tuesday, the National Mediation Board said it has authorized an election among the approximately 5,300 US Airways pilots. The board responded to an application filed by the US Airline Pilots Association that was supported by about 3,200 signature cards.
While the NMB has not yet set a date, an election could occur as soon as next month, said USAPA spokesman Scott Theuer.
"We are gratified to know that the US Airways pilots will finally be afforded an opportunity to select a new collective bargaining agent," said USAPA President Stephen Bradford, in a prepared statement. ALPA spokesman Peter Janhunen said the 76-year-old union remains the best solution for all US Airways pilots. He called the division in the pilot group "tragic" and said joint negotiations on a new contract offers the best outcome for all parties. "US Airways pilots are losing out" because their attention has been diverted, he said.
On Tuesday, the National Mediation Board said it has authorized an election among the approximately 5,300 US Airways pilots. The board responded to an application filed by the US Airline Pilots Association that was supported by about 3,200 signature cards.
While the NMB has not yet set a date, an election could occur as soon as next month, said USAPA spokesman Scott Theuer.
"We are gratified to know that the US Airways pilots will finally be afforded an opportunity to select a new collective bargaining agent," said USAPA President Stephen Bradford, in a prepared statement. ALPA spokesman Peter Janhunen said the 76-year-old union remains the best solution for all US Airways pilots. He called the division in the pilot group "tragic" and said joint negotiations on a new contract offers the best outcome for all parties. "US Airways pilots are losing out" because their attention has been diverted, he said.