FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22, 2002
to Host Union Conference on Job Outsourcing
PHOENIX – The four unions representing approximately
6,000 America West Airlines employees will meet Feb. 25 in Phoenix to discuss
the effects increased outsourcing of flying to smaller affiliate airlines
will have on their respective members’ careers.
The conference, hosted by the America West
unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will include
representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Transport
Workers Union and Association of Flight Attendants.
“We cannot sit idly by and watch while
the growth of America West, growth made possible by the efforts and sacrifices
of the employees, is outsourced to other carriers,” said Captain Herb
Holland, chairman of the America West ALPA unit. “We all want to see
America West grow, but not at the expense of our own careers.”
According to America West’s Seven Year Plan,
which was submitted to the Air Transport Stabilization Board in December to
support the airline’s federal loan guarantee application, outsourced flying
performed on behalf of America West by other carriers will increase 100 percent
from 2001 to 2008. During that same period, America West itself will increase
flying by only 20 percent.
“With hundreds of our workers still on
furlough, it’s disturbing to see America West management’s continued disregard
for the job security concerns of the very people who have driven this airline’s
success,” Captain Holland said.
Including the 1,800 America West pilots, ALPA
represents 64,000 pilots at 45 airlines in the United States and Canada.
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ALPA Contact: Scott Sherrin, (602) 306-4100