Atlas Air / Polar Air Cargo Teamsters Reach Tentative Agreement

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Oct 19, 2012, 03:17 ET

Flight Dispatchers to Vote on a First Contract, Securing Strong Job Improvements

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Negotiators for the flight dispatchers of Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo, represented by the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, announced this morning that a tentative agreement has been reached on a first contract for the members.

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The FAA-licensed flight dispatchers, who are members of Local 210, are responsible for coordination with aircraft flight crews to ensure the safe dispatch and in-flight monitoring of all flights around the world for Atlas Air, Inc., and Polar Air Cargo, the world's largest all-Boeing 747 cargo airline. Atlas and Polar conduct cargo operations for many airlines and provide important airlift of cargo and troops for the U.S. military.

The dispatchers voted for Teamster representation four years ago and negotiations began in October 2009. The tentative agreement includes extensive economic improvements as well as multiple positive work rule changes.

"I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached," said George Miranda, President of Teamsters Local 210. "The Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo flight dispatchers are among the best in the industry. This agreement recognizes that and, more importantly, it takes them from being at-will employees to contractual employees with security and job protection benefits. Discussions with the company were very businesslike and I believe we have an agreement that recognizes the value of our members and acknowledges the responsibility they bring to the job daily."

"I'm very happy that we have been able to conclude this agreement with the company," said Dennis Gerber, a steward and member of the Negotiations Committee. "The agreement recognizes the needs of our members and the company, and further helps position them to continue a record of growth and its preeminent position as a world-class airline."

Upon being notified of the tentative agreement, Teamsters Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne said, "I would like to commend the leadership and negotiators, especially George Miranda, president of Teamsters Local 210, and International Vice President; Cynthia DeFigueiredo, representative; Dennis Gerber, steward; Paul Alves, International Representative, and Steven Nagrotsky, Deputy Division Director, as well as Atlas Air management for their professionalism and diligence in the negotiations," he concluded.

A vote on the agreement has not yet been scheduled, but is anticipated very soon.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @TeamsterPower and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters