Atlas Pilots Urge Around-the-Clock Negotiations: ‘Let’s Finish the Contract’

In the second day of the latest negotiating session, Atlas Air pilots call for non-stop bargaining to finish their contract with the company. The pilots have been working without a contract since 2016, and the June negotiating session—slated for four days—lasted less than six hours.

“After four long years it is time for Atlas management to be serious at the negotiating table and find a way to get this deal completed,” said Robert Kirchner, the head of the International Aviation Professionals (IAP), Teamsters Local 2750, which represents the pilots. “Atlas customers and shareholders need to know a deal is done and that the services provided will be reliable over the next few years. A signed contract creates a safe environment that leads to more sales, growth and more opportunities for the company.

“Let’s finish the contract without any more stalling and delay,” he said. “It’s time to get serious and wrap this up. It’s time to create stability for shareholders, customers and workers.”

The company regularly praises its pilots, “but rhetoric needs to be followed by action,” said Kirchner. “We acknowledge and appreciate Atlas management’s down payment on a salary increase that went into effect May 1. That was an important intermediate step that reflects our pilots’ value and contributions to the company’s growth."

“But,” he noted, “a 10 percent hike doesn’t begin to cover four years without any pay increases. And it’s certainly no excuse for failing to complete a contract and address working conditions.”

Atlas Air President and CEO John Dietrich acknowledged during the May 2020 earnings briefing that Atlas pilot salaries have been below market for a long time.

“Admitting they are underpaying us is one thing,” Kirchner said. “They have had the power to increase our salaries any day of the week. Our final contract must have salaries on par with the industry. As our business grows, the increase in revenue will easily cover these costs.”

Atlas Air is an air cargo and charter airline and aircraft lessor.

For more information: www.atlasairpilots.org.