Union Says Three Years Is Long Enough Without Contract

Astar Air Cargo's union pilots are informally picketing the company's headquarters in Miami. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, they say they don't have a contract despite three years of negotiation with the company.

Union representatives told the South Florida Business Journal, "The Astar pilots have been in contract negotiations for three years, and have not received a raise in four years other than previously negotiated longevity increases."

The airline says that's not entirely its fault as ALPA previously asked for a delay.

Astar spokesman Doug McKeen said, "The airline industry has been in a state of chaos for a number of years. The former leadership of this group of ALPA requested these negotiations be delayed because of this chaos. The new leadership dismisses that fact."

ALPA alleges the airline's overcompensated management is placing a unnecessary burden on the company's employees.

McKeen dismissed those claims saying, "The fact is pilot compensation should [be], and is, based on its competitors. Management's compensation is based on its competitors. Ownership's compensation is based on the risk of ownership."

This is the second time pilots have protested the lack of progress in contract negotiations by picketing the airline.

Astar Air Cargo used to be DHL Airways hauling DHL cargo.

FMI: www.alpa.org, www.astaraircargo.com