Release #: TSA 15.02
September 23, 2015

Trans States Pilots Approve Contract Extension Agreement

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Today, the pilots of Trans States Airlines (TSA), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), approved a contract extension with TSA management that includes gains in economics and work rules. Of the pilots who voted, 71 percent voted in favor of the deal.

“The majority of our pilots realize that this extension, which provides immediate gains in quality of life and pay, is significantly more beneficial than engaging this company in traditional contract negotiations,” said Capt. Zach Barnes, chairman of the Trans States Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC), the TSA branch of ALPA. “We were able to reach this deal a mere three weeks after our contract’s amendable date, which is a monumental achievement for this pilot group, who endured more than five years of negotiations for our previous contract.”

Capt. Barnes added, “Of particular note, this three-year agreement provides the highest paying first year, first officer pay ($35.81 per hour) in the U.S. regional industry.”  The contract extension also includes annual cost-of-living pay increases for all pilots, an increase to the pilots’ per diem rate, a reduction to the percentage pilots pay for health insurance premiums, an increase to the company’s 401(k) contributions, a signing bonus, and other improvements.

More than 500 professional pilots fly a fleet of regional jets for Trans States under the United Express and American Eagle livery. Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 52,000 pilots at 31 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: Zach Barnes, 412-780-9036

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