ALPA's America West Pilots Puff Out Their Chests

ALPA says the hard work and sacrifices of its pilots, along with the rest of America West Airlines' employees, were directly responsible for the airline's dramatic turnaround from 2003 to 2004, according to the leader of the America West unit of the pilots' union.

Capt. Terry Stadler, chairman of the America West unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, said Wednesday that the carrier was only able to survive a 1990 bankruptcy and the aviation industry's post-9/11 financial freefall because pilots and other workers have repeatedly gone the extra mile to cut expenses and keep the airline's jets flying safely and on time.

"Let's give credit where credit is due. While we applaud our America West executives, America West pilots have been flying longer hours for below- average pay," Stadler said. "Now that our new contract is in place, we are making steady gains, but ALPA will continue the fight to ensure that ALL employees -- not just management -- enjoy their fair share of the airline's success."

America West reported a $1.2 million net profit for the first quarter of 2004, a sharp improvement from the $62 million net loss it suffered in the same period last year. The airline ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with ALPA on December 30 after more than four years of negotiations.

"As we continue implementation of our new agreement, we look forward to working with our management team to create the most reliable and safest airline in the country," Stadler said. "As the company grows and prospers, we hope that management always remembers that it's our hard work that keeps America West strong. We demand the respect and the rewards that come from flying for one of the nation's top 10 airlines, and ALPA will hold America West's executives to that high standard."

FMI: www.alpa.org