Arbitrator rules Midwest’s restructuring doesn’t violate contract
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
Midwest Airline’s decision to hire Republic Airlines to operate a fleet of regional jets is permissible under Midwest’s collective bargaining agreement with its unionized pilots, an arbitrator has ruled.
The System Board of Adjustment found that the arrangement is a legitimate codeshare agreement and further found that Oak Creek-based Midwest Airline’s collective bargaining agreement with the pilots provides the airline the unrestricted right to engage in codeshares. The board ruled that there is no violation of the labor agreement.
In September 2008, Midwest Airlines entered into an airline services agreement with Indianapolis-based Republic Airlines to operate a fleet of Embraer 170 aircraft under the brand of Midwest Connect, a regional carrier operated by Midwest Airlines parent company, Midwest Air Group Inc. The flights previously had been operated under the Midwest Airlines brand.
The Air Line Pilots Association subsequently filed a grievance, contending that the arrangement was a subcontract that violated Midwest’s collective bargaining agreement with the pilots group. The grievance was submitted to arbitrator for review.
Midwest spokesman Michael Brophy declined to comment on the arbitrator’s ruling. A representative of the Air Line Pilots Association couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
Midwest Airline’s decision to hire Republic Airlines to operate a fleet of regional jets is permissible under Midwest’s collective bargaining agreement with its unionized pilots, an arbitrator has ruled.
The System Board of Adjustment found that the arrangement is a legitimate codeshare agreement and further found that Oak Creek-based Midwest Airline’s collective bargaining agreement with the pilots provides the airline the unrestricted right to engage in codeshares. The board ruled that there is no violation of the labor agreement.
In September 2008, Midwest Airlines entered into an airline services agreement with Indianapolis-based Republic Airlines to operate a fleet of Embraer 170 aircraft under the brand of Midwest Connect, a regional carrier operated by Midwest Airlines parent company, Midwest Air Group Inc. The flights previously had been operated under the Midwest Airlines brand.
The Air Line Pilots Association subsequently filed a grievance, contending that the arrangement was a subcontract that violated Midwest’s collective bargaining agreement with the pilots group. The grievance was submitted to arbitrator for review.
Midwest spokesman Michael Brophy declined to comment on the arbitrator’s ruling. A representative of the Air Line Pilots Association couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.