STRIKE AUTHORIZATION BALLOT RESULTS
Strike Authorization Voting by the pilots of United Continental Holdings, Inc. ended this morning, at 1000 EDT. To our pilots who took the time to vote in this important ballot, we thank you. You have demonstrated the unity of our joint pilot group and given your leadership a tool that will assist us in attaining the industry-leading contract we deserve. Our resolve is clear.
Like the final ratification of the contract by the pilot group, ALPA policy requires the decision to authorize the MECs to call for a strike to be confirmed by a totaled vote of both pilot groups. You have spoken loudly, clearly and with a unified voice. With a 94 percent participation rate, the combined pilot group voted 99 percent in favor of authorizing use of the ultimate leverage - a legal strike - when needed and allowed by law. Management should take note: pushing this pilot group to a strike would be ill-advised. Our pilots are united in their willingness to withhold their services.
No one wants a strike. Our goal has always been - and remains – the achievement of a JCBA without the need to withhold our services. However, our pilots have worked far too long under concessionary agreements to not avail ourselves of every tool necessary to reach a deal and improve the lives of our pilots and their families. The power that strike authorization provides to the union’s efforts in reaching a JCBA cannot be ignored.
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