ALPA: Aviation Bill Will Advance Airline Safety

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:17:36 -0400

July 30, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted Thursday and Friday, respectively, to advance key safety-related provisions as part of an extension of the FAA reauthorization bill – HR 5900. This is the 15th extension since the last bill expired in 2007. It extends FAA operations through September 30 and largely includes key safety provisions of HR 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act.

“The aviation safety bill that Congress has sent to the White House this week is a welcome first step to making flying safer, but a good deal of work still remains to be done.”
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Happy Birthday, ALPA

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:11:29 -0400

July 27, 2010 - Today marks the 79th birthday of ALPA. Seventy-nine years ago, Capt. Dave Behncke and other Key Men met for a special convention at the Morrison Hotel at the southeast corner of Madison and Clark Streets in Chicago, Ill., to create the premiere airline pilot union. The rest is history.

To read about ALPA’s birth and ensuing history, grab copies of George Hopkins’, Flying the Line and Flying the Line, Vol. II. Remember that this is our legacy.

Spirit Pilots Approve New Contract

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:18:17 -0400

Pay Raises, Industry-Leading Work Rules End Four Years of Talks
July 23, 2010 - Spirit Airlines pilots have ratified a new contract containing substantial pay raises and industry-leading work rules, following four years of talks and a June strike. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), 96 percent of the eligible Spirit pilots voted, with 74 percent approving the new agreement.

“The ratification of this contract brings years of negotiations to the only conclusion this pilot group would accept—a fair contract that recognizes our value to this airline,” said Capt. Sean Creed, Spirit Master Executive Council chair. “With the solid backing of our international union, along with support from pilots and other union members across the country, Spirit pilots held firm during an arduous bargaining process and a five-day strike. This contract, and the strong vote that puts it into effect, is a direct result of this pilot group’s unwavering resolve.”
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ALPA Hails Obama Signing of Landmark Financial Reform

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:22:48 -0400

July 22, 2010 - ALPA applauds U.S. President Barack Obama’s signing of comprehensive legislation that will dramatically overhaul domestic financial-market regulations. The signing, which took place this morning, comes just five days after the Senate approved the Restoring American Financial Stability Act, and will provide a broad range of protections for ALPA members.
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Senate Financial Overhaul Bill Passed

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:25:49 -0400

July 16, 2010 - On Thursday, the Senate passed the Restoring American Financial Stability Act by a 60–39 vote to limit oil and other commodities speculation. Between 2007 and 2008, the price of oil fluctuated between $38 and $140 per barrel. Consequently, airlines lost millions of dollars, which led to decreased capacity, bankruptcy, and job losses.
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