Teamsters Pilots at Omni Air Vote for Strike: Safety and Working Conditions Take Center Stage
This article originally appeared in AirlineGeeks.
Omni Air International pilots represented by the Teamsters Union have voted with an emphatic 99% majority to authorize strikes at the airline. The union claims that Omni Air has made "unilateral changes to working conditions" without adhering to legally required processes, sparking significant unrest among the pilots.
According to a press release from the Teamsters, the move to strike follows a unanimous decision made a year ago, which enabled the pilots, represented by the Airline Professionals Association-Teamsters Local 1224, to take this stand once they were given the green light by the National Mediation Board.
Context and Concerns
Over the past year, the Teamsters have expressed growing concerns with Omni Air and its parent company, ATSG. The union alleges a record number of contract violations, including at least one unlawful status quo change. A recent survey highlighted critical safety and working condition issues, with 80% of pilots expressing a lack of confidence in the company's commitment to pilot safety and operational integrity.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 91% of these pilots believe that the carrier’s scheduling practices result in pilot fatigue. Alarmingly, 40% of pilots reported attempts from Omni management to coerce them into unsafe practices or violations of federal aviation regulations.
Union's Standpoint
Greg Unterseher, director of the Teamsters airline division, stated, “The Teamsters urge Omni Air to honor the contributions of these pilots and stop implementing unlawful status quo changes. Our pilots are dedicated professionals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. If the company refuses to recognize our rights, we are prepared to act accordingly.”
This sentiment resonates with around 600 pilots at Omni’s sister company, Air Transport International. These pilots are also operating under an active strike vote authorization, administered by their own labor union, the Air Line Pilots Association.
Company Response
In response, ATSG, speaking on behalf of Omni Air, emphasized their commitment to negotiating in good faith with the pilots’ union. In their statement to AirlineGeeks, they expressed appreciation for their pilots and highlighted an ongoing focus on reaching an agreement beneficial to employees, customers, and stakeholders alike.
“We look forward to a resolution that benefits everyone involved,” said the company, outlining their intent to maintain service continuity and deliver stakeholder value.
For more information on this topic, please visit our [Help Center](Help Center) or check our Register page for updates.
In conclusion, the authorization of a strike by Teamsters pilots at Omni Air International underscores critical issues facing the airline industry, with safety and working conditions taking the spotlight. As negotiations continue, the pilots' union remains steadfast in their demands for respect and fair treatment, while the company expresses a desire for amicable resolution.
