ALPA, CommutAir Seek Mediation

After 20 months, North Olmsted, Ohio-based CommutAir and its 135 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, have asked for a federal mediator to help them reach terms on their first contract. The sides have worked on a deal since February 2009, but they remain far apart on economic issues, including pay rates, according to ALPA.

“Virtually every piece of our contract has been negotiated except those sections that deal with money,” said Jay Dougherty, chairman of ALPA’s CommutAir pilot group.