June 2, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Washington, DC – The Teamsters Airline Division is aggressively conducting an organizing drive of pilots at Florida West International Airways (FWIA). This cargo airline is based out of Miami International Airport. The pilots fly routes throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.
“No other labor union can offer these pilots the expertise, resources and support that the Teamsters bring to the table,” said Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne. “With members throughout the entire supply chain – from the cockpit to the driver’s seat – we understand the operational issues that pilots at Florida West must deal with every day on the job.”
Teamsters Local Union 1224, an airline-specific chapter based in Wilmington, Ohio is providing support staff and services to Local 769 in the organizing effort. “Our members and staff know this industry inside and out and understand the challenges these pilots face,” said Daniel C. Wells, President of Local 1224, a union representing members in the air cargo industry. “We are proud to support the airline division in this effort.”
The FWIA pilots will be represented by Teamsters Local Union 769 in Miami.
“I look forward to working with the airline division and Teamsters Local 1224 to help the pilots get a voice on the job,” said Mike Scott, President of Local 769. “With our union’s strong representation, we will fight to bring Florida West pilots industry-leading wages and working conditions.”
***Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 members.
