World Airways
has revealed that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) negotiating team representing World’s 430 pilots has rejected the company’s final offer after a week of meetings facilitated by the National Mediation Board. Talks had
continued past the cooling-off period, which expired at midnight Friday, Jan.
27, 2006.
  “The company is very disappointed that a fair and equitable agreement
could not be reached,” said Charlie McDonald, chief operating officer. “We
believe we had a very attractive offer on the table, including annual wage
increases, continued profit sharing, a signing bonus, benefits improvements,
work-rule improvements and a job security proposal.”
  Negotiations have been ongoing for more than two years, since the contract
became amendable in June 2003. The pilots rejected an earlier tentative
agreement in March 2004. Both parties requested release from mediation in
November 2005 after the IBT committee rejected the company’s offer at that
time.
  No further meetings are scheduled at this time. World Airways will
continue to operate its military schedule based on a contract provision that
prevents interruption of military service. The company also plans to operate
its commercial schedule unless service is disrupted by the pilots.  The IBT
has not formally declared its intentions at this point, however, the pilots
are now free to pursue self-help, which could include commercial work
stoppages.
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