Republic Airways Holdings' pilots vote to join Teamsters union

Frontier Airlines A319. Photo: Courtesy, Republic Airways.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters won a union representation vote by Republic Airways Holdings' pilots, with 68% of those voting casting ballots in favor of IBT representation.

Following certification by the US National Mediation Board, IBT will represent pilots from RAH subsidiaries Frontier Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Lynx Aviation, Republic Airways and Shuttle America. "These pilots have chosen to make a whole new beginning," Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said in a statement.

The pilots previously were represented by multiple unions. "The newly combined pilot group will come under one contract following contract amalgamation negotiations, which will be initiated by Teamsters at the appropriate time and after consultation and joint planning among the pilots of all RAH subsidiaries," IBT stated.

Frontier pilots recently voted by a large margin to ratify a new labor contract that will give them an equity stake in the airline in exchange for reductions in pay and benefits (ATW Daily News, June 17).

Pilots from Chautauqua, Republic Airways and Shuttle America are working under a 2003 contract that has been amendable since 2007, according to IBT. "Contract negotiations are currently in federal mediation with the NMB," it added.