Western Global pilots request mediation over contract negotiations
10 / 07 / 2024
Source: Carlos Yudica/Shutterstock
Pilots at US freighter airline Western Global have filed for mediation to help negotiations over a new contract.
The pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA), filed the joint request for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to facilitate negotiations for their first contract.
Once the NMB processes the mediation request, a federal mediator will take control of the bargaining schedule and oversee negotiations.
ALPA accused the airline of continuing to “slow-walk negotiations” demonstrated by “delayed responses to contract proposal”.
Negotiations have been ongoing for more than two years, the union said.
“After months of delays, it’s clear that Western Global management needs intervention to keep the company on a course of good-faith bargaining,” said Greg Pinckney, ALPA Western Global master executive council chair.
“We are asking the NMB to help us reach an agreement that recognises the contributions our pilots have made to our company’s success.”
ALPA said that the pilots have faced many challenges over recent years including high attrition and uncertainty.
In August last year, the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of efforts to stabilise operations after a change in market conditions hit the firm’s finances.
The airline successfully completed financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December.
“Western Global pilots have shown a commitment to the company even during turbulent financial times,” Pinckney said.
“It’s time for the company to resolve the outstanding bargaining issues with its pilot group, and I am hopeful and optimistic that with the help of a federal mediator, we will reach a consensual agreement with management that recognizes our contributions to Western Global’s return to solvency and continued growth.”
The carrier lists 19 Boeing 747 and MD-11 freighter aircraft on its website, although aircraft tracking websites suggest the majority of these are stored and its in-service fleet is made up of five or six freighters – two 747-400Fs and three or four MD-11Fs.
Western Global stable as it completes financial restructuring
