May 7, 2021
To: All Atlas Air and Southern Air Pilots
From: Jim Forbes, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Dear Crewmembers,
As the process to complete a new joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) for our Atlas Air and Southern Air pilots enters its final stages, we look forward to having a new contract in place soon that will provide you with a competitive compensation and benefits package, while positioning our company for continued growth.
Last month during our Crew Town Hall, we discussed our Core Values of Safety, Service Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Teamwork and Responsibility, which represent our commitment to our customers, our company and to each other.
In the spirit of our core value of integrity, I think it is important to set the record straight regarding a press release issued this week by IBT Local 2750 that contains numerous inaccuracies. This misrepresentation of the facts is a disservice to all of us who work together as colleagues.
Here are the facts:
There have been no delays by the company. As we have shared with you previously, the interest arbitration before the neutral arbitrator took place from March 17, 2021 to April 1, 2021, as scheduled. These dates were agreed to by both the union and the company and proceeded on time without any delays or extensions requested by the company.
There have been no delays by the company with respect to the post-hearing briefs. The parties mutually agreed that they will simultaneously submit post-hearing briefs to the arbitrator on June 7, 2021.
Further, the company, the union and the arbitrator all agreed that the arbitrator will issue his final award 60 days from receipt of the post-hearing briefs. The company has not sought to change that date or caused any delay with regard to it. We continue to expect a final decision this summer.
Lastly, the union has asserted that the company sought to reopen tentatively resolved issues. That is simply not true.
We want to clarify these issues so you and your families know the facts.
We very much encourage open lines of communication to ensure that you are well informed along this path to your JCBA. Should you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out. Please email Corpcommunications@atlasair.com if you have any questions.
Thank you.