Release #: 21.22
April 06, 2021

Western Global Pilots Vote to Join World’s Largest Pilots Union


McLEAN, VA—Today, the National Mediation Board (NMB) certified the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) as the bargaining representative for the 180 pilots of Western Global Airlines. The certification took place after the NMB announced that a strong majority of Western Global pilots voted for ALPA. With 93 percent of eligible pilots participating in the election, 69 percent voted in favor of joining the world’s largest pilot union.

“The dedication and professionalism of Western Global pilots during this representation election was impressive,” said ALPA President Capt. Joe DePete. “ALPA believes in the dignity of work and the fundamental right of all workers to organize and engage in a free and fair election to join a union.”

As ALPA members, Western Global pilots will now have access to a comprehensive network of resources, including the largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization in the world.

“The addition of Western Global pilots’ voices will strengthen ALPA and allow us all to be more effective in advancing aviation and promoting the airline pilot profession,” said ALPA president Capt. Joe DePete. “I am extremely pleased to welcome yet another all-cargo airline to our ranks.”

Western Global Airlines is an all-cargo aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance and charter carrier that began operations six years ago. Its freighter fleet of MD-11s and B-747-400Fs is solely based in Estero, Fla., and the pilots were previously unrepresented.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 59,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org