Horizon Air Pilots Ratify New Contract

SEATTLE, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Horizon Air has been notified by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) that its pilots have ratified a new five-year contract. Nearly 77 percent of Horizon’s pilots voted, and more than 59 percent of those voted in favor of the agreement.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100917/SF67094LOGO)

Effective upon signing later this month, the new contract helps align pilot pay more closely to market over time, while providing quality of life improvements, such as greater pilot control over schedules. Also, Horizon’s 613 pilots will gain participation in the airline’s performance-based incentive plan.

"Having this new contract in place, after years of effort by both negotiating teams, will play a significant role in ensuring Horizon’s future success," said Horizon President Glenn Johnson. "My thanks to our highly valued pilots for their professionalism and their commitment to Horizon and our customers throughout this long process. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership as we move ahead."

Horizon’s pilot contract became amendable in September 2006. After years of negotiations, in January 2010 both Horizon and the IBT requested federal mediation to work through the remaining open items. In June, an agreement in principle was reached, and in September, a tentative agreement was announced.

Per federal law, airline contracts don’t expire. An existing contract remains in effect after the amendable date until a new contract is agreed to by the negotiating teams and ratified by represented members.

Horizon serves 45 cities throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Baja California Sur (Mexico), and British Columbia and Alberta (Canada). Together, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines serve more than 90 cities and are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).

SOURCE Horizon Air