SkyWest pilots to decide whether to join a union

[Omaha Steve]

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695217262,00.html

Published: Oct. 10, 2007 12:34 a.m. MDT

Pilots for St. George-based SkyWest Airlines have until early next month to decide whether they want to join the nation's largest commercial pilots union.

On Tuesday, the National Mediation Board began mailing voting information to some 2,500 SkyWest pilots. They have until Nov. 6 to cast their telephonic ballot on whether to join the Air Line Pilots Association.

The election will be decided by a simple majority, making it crucial for every eligible pilot to cast his or her vote, ALPA spokesman Pete Janhunen said.

"Our recommendation to the pilots is just the day you get it, call in and vote," Janhunen said Tuesday afternoon.

"All we want to do is just put it out there and try to convince them with our past success that being a union pilot is a good thing for you and your career and your family."

ALPA represents 61,000 pilots from many different airlines, including regional carriers such as SkyWest and major carriers Continental, Delta and United. The union recently reached a deal with Atlantic Southeast Airlines, which is also owned by SkyWest Inc. and headquartered in Atlanta.

FULL story at link.