Release #: MAG 17.03
March 31, 2017

Mesa Pilots Request Mediation to Facilitate Contract Negotiations

Contract Talks Stalled After More Than 6 Years in Negotiations

PHOENIX, Ariz.— Mesa Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have requested mediation services from the National Mediation Board (NMB) to facilitate negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement. The decision to file for mediation comes weeks after company management delivered a proposal that fails to meet the pilots' needs.

“We are dissatisfied with the pace of our negotiations and we are asking the National Mediation Board to help us reach an agreement that recognizes the contributions our pilots have made to our Company's success,” said Capt. Andy Hughes, ALPA Mesa Air Group chairman.

ALPA filed an application for mediation services with the NMB earlier today. Once the NMB processes the request, a federal mediator will take control of the bargaining schedule and oversee negotiations going forward.

Mesa pilots have been in contract negotiations for more than six years with no pay increases since 2010. Both parties currently remain divided on significant economic and other pressing issues. Since negotiations began, the company has added more than 70 new aircraft to the fleet and offered bonuses to new hires while existing pilots continue to fall further behind in pay rates compared to their peers.  

“It’s time for the Company to resolve the outstanding bargaining issues with its pilot group,” Hughes said. “I am hopeful and optimistic that with the help of a federal mediator we will reach a consensual agreement with management that recognizes our contributions to Mesa’s successful growth.”

Mesa Airlines operates as American Eagle from hubs in Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth and as United Express from Washington Dulles and Houston. Mesa pilots operate 133 aircraft, with more than 600 daily system departures to 124 cities, 38 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 55,000 pilots at 32 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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