Release #: 20.44
December 20, 2020

U.S. Airline Relief Package Provides Needed Support for Aviation Workers


McLEAN, VA—Capt. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement today after congressional leaders announced an agreement on an economic relief package that would provide much-needed stimulus for many sectors of the U.S. economy:

“ALPA is pleased that this latest economic package includes valuable support for the aviation industry and its frontline workers. By extending the successful Payroll Support Program, this agreement provides airlines with the resources to recall the thousands of ALPA pilots and other crewmembers who have already been furloughed, as well as grants for the exclusive purpose of keeping existing employees on payroll with wage and benefit support. In addition, it will provide valuable job security by prohibiting future furloughs through March 31, 2021.

“This successful agreement is the result of resilience, persistence, and hard work by ALPA pilots and our industry colleagues. For months, we have collectively advocated for a clean extension of this vital funding package and through these efforts, ALPA pilots, family and friends sent nearly 500,000 letters and messages directly to lawmakers encouraging them to protect pilot jobs and our vital industry. Today’s agreement showcases the tremendous power of unity in what was a must-win fight for the survival of our industry.

“Today, ALPA pilots are better positioned to continue to fulfill our essential role in distributing vaccines, keeping supply chains open, and driving economic recovery. While we recognize that the future of our industry continues to look challenging, this agreement provides the economic relief we need today to help stabilize our industry for the future.

“ALPA is appreciative of the bipartisan effort that led to this proworker agreement that will provide short-term relief for the U.S. airline industry and make certain that the same frontline workers who keep it moving safely each and every day also share in stimulus it receives.”

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