Frontier Pilots Forced into IBT Representation

The results of a National Mediation Board (“NMB”) representation election provided the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division (“IBT”) with sufficient votes to prevail as the bargaining representative for the combined class and craft of pilots at Republic Air Holdings, Inc. This election was the result of an ongoing hostile effort by IBT to displace the chosen representative of the Frontier Airlines Pilots, the Frontier Airline Pilots Association (“FAPA”).

The outcome of the election was not surprising as nearly 1800 Republic Pilots were already represented by IBT compared to less than 700 Frontier Pilots represented by FAPA. FAPA had worked to establish a joint council for all the pilots to retain their chosen representatives and received nearly 650 votes for that council. “We spent several days with the IBT trying to come up with a structure that we could agree on, one that would respect the differing views and interests of the two groups. In the end, it came down to the IBT wanting complete control," said Scott Gould, FAPA Vice President.

The results of the election vote, and both pre- and post-election polling, clearly showed no support for IBT representation among Frontier Pilots. “It is a sad day for all labor groups when a labor organization takes a hostile approach to strip another groups chosen representative,” said Jeff Thomas President of Frontier Airline Pilots Association. “While the IBT professes to seek 'Unity', their actions have achieved nothing of the sort and have created an acrimonious environment within the pilot groups.”

FAPA will continue to exist as a voluntary association. Thomas stated: “We will continue to provide a forum for the Frontier Pilots, as Republic proceeds with its recently announced restructuring including the separation of Frontier from the Republic operation.” Republic management has recently embarked on a strategic restructuring, including commitments to operational separation of Frontier from Republic, the raising of new equity, and good faith efforts to divest majority ownership of Frontier from Republic. On June 17, the Frontier Pilots overwhelming ratified agreements negotiated by Frontier, Republic and FAPA as part of that restructuring.

For additional information please email: [email protected]