ATI Pilots Seek Federal Mediation on Stalled Contract

The airline is a major contractor for Amazon and express carriers.

Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10:53 AM ET

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Air Transport International operates a fleet of Boeing 767 converted freighters like this one. [Credit: Jim Allen/FreightWaves]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots at Air Transport International (ATI), a key operator for Amazon Air, have requested federal mediation to resolve stalled contract negotiations with parent company ATSG, citing frustration over compensation, retirement benefits, and high pilot attrition despite the company's record profits.
While the union claims poor working conditions and an outdated contract contribute to pilot departures, ATSG asserts it balances competitive pilot contracts with a necessary cost structure and has not faced issues attracting new recruits.
This mediation request is set against a backdrop of other pilot unions securing more lucrative contracts across the cargo and passenger airline industry, though immediate operational disruptions are unlikely due to the lengthy negotiation process under the Railway Labor Act.

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Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on FreightWaves.com

Pilots at cargo airline Air Transport International, a large transport provider for Amazon Air, and parent company Air Transport Services Group last week asked the National Mediation Board to help broker stalled contract talks. The request comes nearly a month after union leadership representing FedEx pilots empowered itself to request a strike authorization vote from members.