A ballot conducted by Frontier Airlines pilots – represented by the Air Line Pilots Association – has found that 99% of the 97% of pilots who voted are in favour of authorising strike action if negotiations with the airline’s management should be unsuccessful.
“The results of this vote are clear and compelling. Nearly all our pilots are prepared to take action if it comes to that,” said Michael Maynard, chair of the Frontier ALPA master executive council. “This strong show of unity underscores our commitment to achieving a fair contract that meets the needs of our pilots.”
The pilots’ contract became amendable in January 2024, and they have been engaged in mediated talks under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) ever since.
Maynard continued “Our ultimate goal remains to reach a fair agreement with the company, not to strike. However, this vote equips our master executive council with a significant lever should we need to exercise it.”
Under the RLA, the National Mediation Board must determine whether further mediation would be unproductive. If so, both parties may be offered the option to arbitrate. Should either side decline, a 30-day “cooling-off” period would ensue, after which a strike or management lockout could occur.