FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gulfstream International Airlines' flight crewmembers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters APA Local 1224, today announced they have agreed to a five-year collective bargaining agreement with Gulfstream International Airlines. 

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Ballots were tallied on Friday, May 6.  The new contract will be in effect through May 2016.

"Gulfstream's bankruptcy and reorganization has been a lot for our pilot group to digest over the last six months," said Cecil Stewart, APA Teamsters Local 1224's Gulfstream Executive Council Chairman. "With this stressful chapter from Gulfstream's history behind us, we look forward to many years of growth and success for the benefit of all of Gulfstream's flight crews."

The new contract provides a significant increase in the ability of each pilot to modify his or her own schedule to accommodate personal needs.  At the same time, the contract also has increased the Company's ability to obtain pilot coverage for open trips, while ensuring that crewmembers are fairly compensated for any flying above and beyond a normal monthly schedule. The contract also strengthened the scope of the contract, and ensured that all non-management pilots who work for Gulfstream will be fully covered by the collective bargaining agreement.  Gulfstream Teamsters' Executive Council expects that the "quality of life" and organizational improvements which are also included in the contract will assist the airlines' new owners in a positive renovation of the company culture.

Joe Muckle, president of APA Teamsters Local 1224 said, "Contract negotiations are always about give and take.  In this case, the pilot group knew it was necessary to work with the company to help reduce costs so that it could effectively undergo its reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  In understanding the goals upfront, we were able to collectively find common ground on provisions which make this contract acceptable to the membership and Gulfstream International Airlines, as well as making it appealing to the airlines' new owners, Victory Park Capital."  

The Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 represents the flight crewmembers of ABX Air, Atlas Air, Cape Air, Gulfstream International, Horizon Airways, Kalitta Air, Miami Air, Omni Air International, Polar Air Cargo, Southern Air and USA 3000. 

SOURCE Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Union Local 1224