Frontier Airlines Pilots Vote for Strike Action

Pilots at Frontier Airlines, based in Denver, have overwhelmingly authorized strike action as they push for better contract negotiations. On October 15, 2024, the pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), concluded their voting process regarding the potential for a strike.

The voting period, which began on September 30, 2024, and ended on October 15, 2024, revealed that an impressive 99% of Frontier pilots supported the possibility of going on strike if necessary. This strong show of support indicates the pilots’ readiness to take action should negotiations with Frontier management falter. Captain Michael Maynard, Chair of the Frontier ALPA Master Executive Council, remarked, “The results of this vote are clear and compelling. Nearly all our pilots are prepared to take action if it comes to that.”

Contract negotiations for the pilots began in January 2024, and they have been engaged in mediated discussions under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) since then. Despite these efforts, the pilots and Frontier Airlines have not yet reached a collective bargaining agreement that reflects market standards and acknowledges the contributions of Frontier pilots.

“Our ultimate goal remains to reach a fair agreement with the company, not to strike,” Maynard stated. However, he emphasized that this vote provides the master executive council with a significant leverage point if needed.

Under the RLA, the National Mediation Board will determine whether further mediation is appropriate. If not, both parties may opt for arbitration. Should one side refuse, a 30-day “cooling-off” period will ensue, potentially leading to a strike or management lockout.

While the strike authorization does not guarantee a work stoppage, it serves as an essential negotiation tool for the pilots. According to the Frontier Master Executive Council’s official website, they represent over 2,000 pilots operating a fleet of Airbus A320 series aircraft. As the situation develops, the focus remains on achieving a fair contract that meets the needs of the pilots and the airline.

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