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Old 04-26-2016, 09:49 PM
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DC8DRIVER
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Pilots for DHL carriers holding strike vote

Pilots for DHL carriers holding strike vote

Bowdeya Tweh, [email protected] 6:30 p.m. EDT March 30, 2016
Southern Air DHL Boeing

A group of unionized pilots that operate flights for DHL carriers will hold a strike vote amid concerns their employers want to change a labor pact.

Members of Wilmington-based Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 who work for cargo holding companies Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings and Southern Air Holdings will begin the voting process Wednesday. Local 1224 represents about 1,000 pilots who are based or operate from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, according to an estimate from the labor union.

A strike authorization vote does not automatically mean that the union will hold a labor stoppage. Daniel Wells, president of Local 1224, said the voting process could take about 30 days.

Pilots are concerned that the companies want to force workers from both companies into an amalgamated contract, which they say will suppress wages and lower quality of life issues for pilots. New York-based Atlas Air announced earlier this year it was buying Florence-based Southern Air for $110 million.

"Pilots are the backbone of the logistics industry, and DHL customers and shareholders should be concerned about the company’s disregard for experienced pilots,” said Robert Kirchner, an Atlas pilot and executive council chairman of Local 1224. “Pilots have sacrificed to help DHL contracted airlines succeed. We are helping DHL grow its business in the United States and building profits for all companies involved.”

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, which owns Atlas Air and Polar Air, has been working since the beginning of the year to amend an existing collective bargaining agreement. Southern Air, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2013, pilots say they've sacrificed pay as a result of the company's previous financial condition.

But now since all three companies are performing better as the economy has improved since the recession, pilots say there's no need to make this change.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Atlas Air did not directly address the union's concerns, but said it greatly appreciates employees and the contributions they provide.

"We especially recognize the importance of our pilots and value the strong relationship we have with them," the statement continued. "The Southern Air acquisition is very good for Atlas Air and Southern Air pilots. The transaction will provide increased pay, more job security and growth opportunities for all of our pilots. In fact, Local 1224’s leadership recognized these benefits by endorsing the transaction when it was announced."
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