WASHINGTON, D.C.—- Skyway pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International, yesterday petitioned the National Mediation Board for assistance in their contract negotiations. The request for federal mediation was filed jointly with Skyway management.
Skyway pilots and management have been in negotiations for a new contract since June 2001. The pilots’ current contract became amendable on January 27, 2002. Although significant progress has been made in many areas of the new contract, negotiations have stalled recently with the talks now focusing on the important economic issues of the contract.
“We are hopeful that the assistance of a federal mediator will help us conclude these contract talks in a constructive and timely manner,” said Captain Javed Sheikh, chairman of the ALPA unit at Skyway Airlines. “We remain committed to working with management to achieve a fair contract that recognizes the value of Skyway pilots while ensuring the future prosperity of our airline,” he added.
With headquarters in Milwaukee, Skyway Airlines is operated by Astral Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Midwest Express. Skyway’s 255 pilots fly a fleet of Fairchild 328JET and Beech 1900D aircraft to 30 cities in the upper Midwest and Toronto providing service as the Midwest Express Connection.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s oldest and largest pilot union representing more than 66,000 cockpit crewmembers at 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA Web site at www.alpa.org.
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