The Transport Workers Union of America is organizing flight simulator instructors at PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines. Flight simulator instructors at the regional airline based in Dayton, Ohio overwhelmingly filed for union recognition with the National Mediation Board on Wednesday.
“The TWU continues to grow its airline ranks and is excited to work with PSA flight instructors for a contract that advances the economic security for workers and their families,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “We look forward to a successful outcome with the National Mediation Board and negotiating a first contract for flight simulator instructors.”
The TWU represents flight simulator instructors at American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Envoy Air. These highly skilled workers are crucial for training professional airline pilots.
The National Mediation Board will set a date for an election and a majority vote will allow the TWU to negotiate an initial contract. The National Mediation Board is an independent U.S. government agency that handles labor relations with the airline and railroad industries under the Railway Labor Act.
The TWU recently negotiated successful contracts for Flight Attendants at Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Airlines, along with Ramp, Operations, Provisioning and Freight Agents at Southwest Airlines. These agreements secured significant wage increases and industry-first paid leave provisions for workers caring for newborn children.