Pilots continue negotiations after authorizing strike

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005 | 9:54 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The union representing 800 ATA pilots and flight mechanics has voted to authorize a strike, but its spokesman said Tuesday that renewed negotiations have begun with the bankrupt airline.

"We have made progress," said Rusty Ayers, a spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association.

He declined to disclose the vote total for 15 days of balloting on the issue, which ended Monday. Before pilots can strike, the walkout must be approved by the head of the Air Line Pilots Association.

Indianapolis-based ATA, which is owned by ATA Holdings Corp., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. It has cut about 3,100 jobs since it began reducing a work force of about 7,800 people two years ago.

The pilots say new wage concessions being proposed by the airline would have them earning 40 percent less than their contracted rate. Union officials said their ATA members have accepted $66 million in wage concessions in the past 15 months.

ATA's senior vice president of labor relations said the company was disappointed by the strike vote but encouraged by continued talks.

"The fact that pilot representatives immediately returned to the bargaining table indicates they remain willing to find a mutually beneficial solution," Richard Meyer said in a statement.