Amerijet pilots reach contract deal with a “massive increase” in wages

Amerijet and its pilots have reached a tentative agreement on a four-year contract that includes substantial raises and addresses seniority and sick leave. According to Teamsters Local 769, which represents the 85 pilots in the bargaining unit, the new deal includes a “massive initial increase in base wages for Captains and First Officers of more than 55 to 75 percent,” as well as annual wage increases on top of signing bonuses.

News of the agreement comes on the same day that Teamsters Local 1224 authorized a strike in protest of what they called excessive overtime requirements without the requisite time off. The strike raises the stakes on a series of contract negotiations taking place between cargo carriers and their pilots.

“This is a contract we are proud to take to the membership,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “For over three years, these pilots have been facing significant obstacles to a contract and threats to their professional livelihoods. The unity they’ve displayed is remarkable and the rewards for it are reflected in this agreement.”

“The wage increases, scope of coverage and job protection language are major improvements for these pilots,” said David Renshaw, a business agent at Local 769 and lead negotiator for the Amerijet negotiations. “Not only did the pilots show tremendous solidarity, but we received a positive boost at the table thanks to support from the Airline Division and a management team that was willing to have productive talks with us. We look forward to voting on this agreement.”