AirTran pilots give union authority to call strike if it chooses; strike not imminent
By APTuesday, May 18, 2010
AirTran pilots vote for strike authorization
ORLANDO, Fla. — AirTran Airways pilots, seeking leverage to force a new contract after more than five years of talks with management, have given their union permission to call a strike.
The results of the strike authorization vote were announced Tuesday, hours before the discount carrier was scheduled to hold its annual meeting in Milwaukee.
The vote doesn’t mean a strike is imminent. The Railway Labor Act, which governs airline pilots, prohibits a pilot strike while pilots and management are under federal mediation.
The vote, however, may increase pressure on AirTran management to make a deal more quickly.
The pilots want better wages and quality-of-life improvements. AirTran, based in Orlando, Fla., wants to preserve its low-cost advantage over larger rivals.
