Release #: SCA 15.05
September 24, 2015

ALPA, Sun Country Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract

Five-Year Deal Includes Significant Pay Raises and Other Improvements

MINNEAPOLIS – Sun Country Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l. (ALPA) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract that includes significant pay raises and other improvements.  Union leaders and the airline came to terms after five years of direct negotiations and federal mediation.

“Our local union leadership has reviewed the agreement presented by our negotiators and unanimously approved sending it out to our membership for ratification,” said Capt. Brian Roseen, chairman of ALPA’s Sun Country Master Executive Council. “This tentative agreement represents a major leap forward in bringing pilot wages into line with their peers. We are gratified that management has recognized our contributions to Sun Country’s success and look forward to helping our hometown airline grow and prosper.”

Roseen said contract details are being withheld until the union can explain the agreement to pilots. He expects ratification voting to begin next month and conclude before October 31.

“We are very pleased that we have come to a mutually beneficial agreement with our pilot union’s leadership.  Our pilot group at Sun Country Airlines is outstanding.  While the arduous process of two parties coalescing to agreement surrounding labor contracts is emotionally charged and sometimes turbulent, we appreciate the professionalism that our pilots exhibited throughout,” said Marty Davis, Chairman of Sun Country Airlines.  “All of our employees continue to put customers first and serve them with the same dedication that has typified Sun Country for more than 30 years.” 

Both the company and union recognized the National Mediation Board's assistance in reaching an agreement. The breakthrough to an agreement came during a session at the Board’s headquarters in Washington, DC last week.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 52,000 pilots at 31 airlines in the United States and Canada, including more than 250 Sun Country pilots. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @wearealpa.

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

SUN COUNTRY CONTACT:         651-681-3900 or Larry.Chestler@suncountry.com

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