Air Transport Services pilots at Omni Air vote to authorize strikes

Teamsters pilots at Omni Air International have voted by an overwhelming 99% margin to authorize strikes. The vote grants the union’s leadership the authority to call strikes when Omni or its parent company ATSG implement unilateral changes to working conditions without following the legally required process, the Teamers said in a statement, adding that this comes one year after pilots voted unanimously to call a strike once released from negotiations by the National Mediation Board. The 350 pilots are represented by the Airline Professionals Association-Teamsters Local 1224. “Over the past year, Omni and ATSG have committed a record number of contract violations and at least one unlawful status quo change. These abuses have worsened longstanding issues with scheduling, pay, and overall employment conditions. Omni plays a critical role in government and military transport, serving clients like the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Transportation Command. Omni also services commercial customers such as Air Canada, WestJet, the United Nations, and the National Football League, and charter brokers like Chapman Freeborn Airchartering,” the Teamsters said. “The Teamsters urge Omni Air to honor the contributions of these pilots and stop implementing unlawful status quo changes,” said Greg Unterseher, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, Above the Wing. “Our pilots are dedicated professionals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. If the company refuses to recognize our rights, we are prepared to act accordingly.”