Almost 900 Atlas, Polar Air Cargo Crewmembers Vote to Join Teamsters Union By a 2-1 Margin

[Omaha Steve]

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Group Of Nearly 900 Workers Vote To Join Union By a 2-1 Margin

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By a more than 2 to 1 margin, nearly 900 crewmembers at Atlas Air, Inc. and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide have voted to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President.

"We are excited to welcome the Atlas and Polar flight crewmembers to the Teamsters," Hoffa said. "Our Airline Division, under the leadership of Capt. David Bourne, will help negotiate a strong contract for the crewmembers. The Teamsters will also provide accountable representation."

The crewmembers have been represented by an association, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), but the association does not have the focus, strength and cargo experience of the Teamsters to represent their interests.

"Now, the Atlas and Polar crewmembers will receive strong Teamster representation and they will have an independent local union backed by the 1.4 million member Teamsters," Bourne said. "The Teamsters have the necessary resources to help our newest members achieve a more secure future."

The Teamsters will also allow the crewmembers more decision-making power through their Teamster local union for the issues that matter most to them.

Crewmembers voted by telephone and over the Internet since November 19, and the votes were tallied today. The election was administered by the National Mediation Board.

The Teamsters Airline Division represents more than 40,000 workers in the aviation industry in every craft and class. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.


SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters