Aloha pilots threaten strike on cargo work

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/04/14/daily51.html

Aloha Airlines cargo pilots say they may go on strike if they can't reach an agreement with the company about which pilots will be allowed to fly cargo planes.

Aloha fired all but 40 of its 312 pilots when it ceased operations three weeks ago. The remaining pilots are flying for Aloha's profitable cargo operation, which is up for sale as part of the carrier's March bankruptcy.

The pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, filed a complaint in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Friday seeking a court order to force Aloha to comply with its contract, which would give terminated pilots with seniority the right to fly cargo planes. If an agreement is not reached by April 26, Aloha pilots say they may strike.

"Aloha has violated, and continues to violate, its obligations to make every reasonable effort to maintain the working conditions of the Aloha pilots pursuant to the contract," said Capt. David Bird, chairman of the Aloha arm of ALPA, in a statement.

Aloha spokesman Stu Glauberman said the Air Line Pilots Association can't legally strike the cargo division and that ALPA is just trying to "hype the media."

"These are extraordinary and difficult times and Aloha is doing all it can to keep its air cargo business operating in order to protect the state's economy," Glauberman said. "We are committed to meeting all of our obligations to shippers and to preserving the jobs of over 400 workers."

Aloha has begun training senior pilots in accordance with the collective-bargaining agreement, Glauberman said.