Changes International Flight Rules In Exchange For More O/T Pay

On Sunday, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) ratified its earlier agreement with Northwest Airlines on contract issues and work rules, that should help improve the airline’s operational performance and reliability. The vote by the Northwest ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) confirms a tentative agreement reached August 1, 2007.

"We’re pleased that the MEC has agreed to this important step that will help Northwest Airlines return to its historical status as one of industry’s most reliable airlines," said Northwest president and CEO Doug Steenland. "We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our pilots and their representatives to drive operational improvements and better serve Northwest’s customers. We know we have to earn our customers’ business and trust every day, and we are confident that this agreement, combined with other steps we are aggressively implementing, will help us achieve that."

As ANN reported, the agreement ratified Sunday implements contractual changes on work rules pertaining to international flying, as well as the settlement of an outstanding grievance, in exchange for the reinstatement of premium pay of 50 percent for all pilots flying more than 80 hours a month, effective August 1, 2007.

Northwest says the agreement is economically neutral, with the cost to Northwest of the premium-pay element offset by the value of the work-rule changes and grievance settlement.

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