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By Eddy Metcalf |
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July 30, 2010 –
Three transportation organizations announced the creation of a large
aviation labor alliance to combine and coordinate lobbying efforts on
airline safety and security.
Unions agree to
coordinate aggressive lobbying program on legislative priorities
including tightening aircraft maintenance standards, increased pilot
training, and protecting workers during airline bankruptcies The American Aviation Labor Alliance (AALA) is a formal partnership of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association (CAPA), which represent more than 140,000 aviation workers. |
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“We are leading
the fight that workers care about in the airline industry,” said
Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “As the American Aviation Labor
Alliance, we will speak on the most pressing aviation issues facing our
membership and the public with one strong voice.”
“The airline
industry is under intense financial and competitive pressure and as a
result, we believe that security and safety standards are being
weakened, said TWU President James C. Little. “Combining our lobbying
efforts will allow us to push for legislation that will insure both
diligence and vigilance.”
“The 28,000 pilots
of CAPA want to work with all labor organizations to enhance safety and
improve the working conditions of airline employees across our
industry,” said CAPA President Paul Onorato. “CAPA wants to help provide
a flight plan for a successful commercial aviation industry in this
country.” The first task for the AALA will be passage of the FAA Reauthorization bill that Congress is expected to finish during the current session. This comprehensive aviation bill deals with a range of issues related to the FAA, including security and safety requirements for overseas repair bases, and rules related to pilot training. In addition to the FAA Reauthorization Bill, bankruptcy reform will be a major focus. |
The new alliance
is significant because the unions are affiliated with different labor
federations or are independent, and they are joining forces to influence
labor issues that affect their members and the airline industry as a
whole. The AALA will continue to build alliances with other labor
organizations in the future.
The Coalition of
Airline Pilots Association is a trade association representing over
28,000 professional pilots. CAPA's purpose is to address safety,
security, legislative and regulatory issues affecting the professional
flight deck crew member on matters of common interest to the individual
member unions. CAPA-affiliated unions represent pilots at American
Airlines, US Airways, Southwest Airlines UPS, ABX Air, Atlas Air, Polar
Air Cargo, Kalitta Air, Southern Air, and Horizon Air.
The International
Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking
men and women in the |
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