The pilots of Midwest Airlines and
Skyway Airlines have voted to accept deep concessions aimed at
averting a threatened mid-July bankruptcy filing by Midwest
Holdings, Inc.
In separate ratification elections that concluded Tuesday, the
pilots of Midwest and Skyway, which operates as Midwest Connect,
approved their respective concessions packages. Both groups are
represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International.
Ball back in management's court:
"By voting to accept the
tentative agreement reached between our negotiating committee and
Midwest management, our pilots have once again demonstrated their
commitment to our airline, our passengers, and our communities that
rely on the air service provided by Midwest Airlines. It is now up
to Midwest's management to follow through with the restructuring
process, improve our airline's operation, and better position us
for future growth and financial stability," said Captain Jerome
Schnedorf, chairman of ALPA's Midwest Airlines unit.
This is the second time this year the Midwest pilots have
responded to the airline's financial challenges. In April, the
union leadership granted immediate reductions in pay as fuel prices
increased exponentially just prior to the war in Iraq.
Big margins vote for viability over temporary gains
With 275 Midwest crewmembers eligible to vote, 243 (88.4%)
participated, and 199 (81.89%) cast ballots in favor of
restructuring their original five- year contract that went into
effect in March 2000. The restructuring agreement substantially
changes pilot work rules and scheduling for the next five years, in
exchange for a new stock option and employee income sharing
program.
Skyway pilots were voting on their second contract rather than
modifications to an existing agreement. Of the 183 eligible Skyway
pilots, 162 (88.5%) voted, with 148 (91.36%) favoring the new
collective bargaining agreement. Both pilot groups' agreements will
run until 2008.
"The Midwest Connect pilots recognize that our future is tied to
the future of our airline. We accepted sacrifices in our contract
to help our airline weather these difficult times and to secure a
strong future for Midwest Connect, as well as for our families and
ourselves. Our hope is that the airline's dedicated employees will
be able to work with management to ensure that the Midwest family
continues to provide the best service to our customers and to our
community," said Capt. Brian Belmonti, chairman of the Skyway pilot
group.