WASHINGTON—Air Transport International (ATI) pilots have been in negotiations with management for more than 1,500 days, including federal mediation with the National Mediation Board. In advance of parent company Air Transport Services Group’s (ATSG) second-quarter earnings report on August 9, ATI pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), call on ATI and ATSG to finally deliver a new, comprehensive contract to their pilots.
“ATI is the largest Amazon Air carrier in the world, and we are concerned ATSG’s unwillingness to agree to a market-based contract will likely damage our ability to provide the outstanding service we’re known for,” said Capt. Mike Sterling, chair of ALPA’s ATI pilot group. “ATI and ATSG owe it to their largest customer, Amazon, to restore ATI as a strong, growing airline ready to support Amazon Air’s current and future needs.”
ATI’s continuous degradation of quality of life, paired with a contract that hasn’t had pay raises in more than three years, has led to a mass exodus of experienced pilots. As a result, in a last-ditch effort to staff the airline, ATI is forcing first officers to upgrade to captain.
“Our outdated contract continues to drive away top pilot talent at alarming rates. Now is the time for ATSG to invest in the future success of our company with a pilot contract that allows us to attract and retain the pilots needed to continue operating reliably in this challenging environment,” said Capt. Josh Hoy, chair of the ATI ALPA Contract Negotiating Committee. “Enough is enough; it’s time for an ATI pilot contract.”
