SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Teamsters pilots at Horizon Air are demanding accountability from airline management following an overwhelming 99 percent vote of no confidence in a top Horizon executive and the filing of a federal lawsuit over violations of contractual fatigue protections. The actions come as pilots continue fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement after more than three and a half years of negotiations.
The vote of no confidence in Carlos Zendejas, Horizon Air’s Senior Vice President of Operations, reflects widespread frustration with operational challenges, deteriorating labor relations, and management’s failure to address pilots’ concerns. Following the vote, the Horizon Air Pilots Executive Council of Teamsters Local 1224 formally called for Zendejas’ removal.
“Horizon Air pilots have made it clear that they have lost confidence in this company’s leadership,” said Henry Simkins, Chair of Local 1224’s Horizon Executive Council. “Our members have continued to do their jobs safely and professionally while management has failed to address serious problems within the airline. Our pilots deserve leadership that respects them, honors their commitments, and takes responsibility for the direction of this company.”
The Teamsters Airline Division and Local 1224 also filed a lawsuit against Horizon Air in federal court on October 23, alleging violations of the Railway Labor Act. The lawsuit challenges the airline’s practice of requiring pilots who report fatigue at their home base to travel to other cities before receiving contractually required rest. The union is seeking a court order to stop the practice and restore the negotiated protections.
“Management cannot pick and choose which parts of our contract it wants to follow,” said Sean Lenney, a Horizon Air pilot and member of Local 1224. “These protections were negotiated for a reason, and our members will not stand by while the company disregards them. We are united in holding Horizon Air accountable and we will get the contract and working conditions we deserve.”
Teamsters Local 1224 represents aviation professionals throughout the United States, including flight crewmembers at ABX Air, Cape Air, Horizon Air, Omni Air International, and Argentum Airways. Visit apa1224.org for more information.
