Corporate Air Pilots Vote for Representation

Corporate Air Pilots Vote for Representation

Workers Seek Stronger Voice at Work

December 25, 2004

In early December, pilots at Corporate Air, based in Smyrna, Tennessee, resoundingly voted to join Local 747, the Houston, Texas-based local that represents workers from several regional airlines.

By a 36-to-17 tally certified on December 8, the nearly 70 pilots—who are based near St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee—voted in favor of Teamster representation. The quest for unity, job security and a stronger voice in the workplace were the major issues of the campaign.

“We were looking for a union to bring us together,” said Corporate Air pilot John Stevens. “Lots of our friends who are pilots at Chautauqua Airlines, an airline that’s similar to Corporate Air, spoke highly of their representation by the Teamsters Union. That made it easier for us to select the Teamsters.”

Corporate Air flies to several cities in the Midwest, operating smaller planes under the American Connection banner.

The workers had presented a letter to management earlier this year, signed, requesting higher wages and better working conditions. “We received a 25-cent per diem raise, but that was it,” said Stevens. “As much as I like to fly for Corporate, we felt we needed better working conditions, more rest and a stronger voice at work.”

Although the airline’s pilots are understaffed, their enthusiasm has not wavered. “We’re really excited about the Teamsters coming in,” said Stevens. “There are a lot of strong supporters for the union and they’re looking forward to negotiations. We think this will make Corporate Air a better place to work.”