December 20, 2001

More than 900 Teamsters who work at Allegheny Airlines reached their first contract in November locking up a five-year agreement. The Teamsters work in numerous stations in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Massachusetts. Approximately 200 Allegheny Teamsters are based in Boston, Massachusetts at Local 25.

Allegheny Airlines serves some 38 cities in twelve states in the Eastern United States with over 380 daily flights.  Allegheny also operates US Airways Express flights.

“The holidays will be a little sweeter for these workers,” said John Schmitt, Business Agent for Local 500. “A contract makes these workers whole and we’re glad we got it done.”

Teamster members have been important part of the Allegheny’s success. Members voted 2 to 1 for approval of the contract and it became effective on December 10.

Highlights include:

• Pay increases which increase to well over a $1.00 an hour in the first six months;
• Part-time workers who now earn vacation time;
• Teamsters will earn double-time on the seventh day of work;
• An one additional personal day off annually; and
• The full respect of being a Teamster.

The new contract applies to fleet and passenger service employees which includes, gate agents, ramp agents catering personnel bus drivers and lobby agents.

“All of these Teamsters have worked towards a contract for nearly two years and their patience has given them economic security for their families,” said Ed Keyser, President of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 500, which covers most of the workers.