Wed, Sep 29, 2010
Teamsters To Airlines: 'We'll Be Watching', SWAPA Says It Is
Focused On Its Pilots' Careers
The Teamsters Union said Monday that it is assembling an
experienced team of experts to ensure its members' jobs and
interests are protected should the proposed merger of Southwest
Airlines and AirTran Airways be approved by federal regulators and
shareholders.
"Our most important responsibility is to ensure that the
proposed merger addresses the concerns of our membership," said
Teamsters Airline Division Director David Bourne. "Our team of
legal and financial experts has extensive experience with mergers
and acquisitions and will watch this process carefully so that the
interests of our mechanics, flight simulators and stock clerks
members are protected."
The Teamsters represent 430 mechanics and related workers at
AirTran and 22 flight simulators and 165 stock clerks at
Southwest.
Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) says
it will continue preparations for an intense period of change for
both the Company and the Union. As part of this airline
acquisition, SWAPA says its primary interests will be to
negotiate a transition agreement with Southwest Airlines and to
incorporate pilots from the AirTran seniority list onto the
Southwest Airlines seniority list.
"We are cautiously optimistic of the potential fleet growth
opportunity connected to this acquisition and its subsequent effect
on our pilots' career progression," said Capt. Carl Kuwitzky, SWAPA
President. "As we work on our portion of this acquisition, no stone
will be left unturned to protect SWAPA pilots' interests."
SWAPA says it has retained an investment banking firm to provide
counsel and expertise to value the transaction, identify synergies
created by the transaction and advise during bargaining efforts.
The Association also has retained a legal firm it believes is
experienced in all facets of law relating to mergers, acquisitions
and seniority list integration.
"SWAPA has forged a working relationship with the AirTran MEC
leadership and today we contacted them and will be meeting soon,"
continued Capt. Kuwitzky. "We will be working with the AirTran
group and both sides have many challenges ahead. SWAPA will work to
make this transition as smooth as possible for our pilot
group."
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