Mediators set meeting for Comair, pilots' union

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The National Mediation Board has scheduled a meeting next week between Comair and its pilots' union in an effort to resolve the pilots' strike, the board told CNN Wednesday.

The meeting is to take place April 25-27 in Washington.

Max Roberts, spokesman for Comair's pilots, said they are "cautiously optimistic" about the meeting.

"It's an indication for Comair pilots and their families and for Delta Air Lines and for the company we work for, that we're back where we need to be, and that's at the negotiating table," he said.

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Comair spokeswoman Meghan Glynn said the company will be there as well.

"While we have accepted the invitation, these meetings will be productive only if the union leadership is willing to compromise on the major issues of pay, work rules and retirement," she told CNN.

Neither side has met since the airline's 1,400 pilots walked off the job March 26 after failing to reach a contract agreement. They are demanding higher pay, a company-funded retirement plan, more rest between flights and pay for all hours they are on the job, not just actual flying hours.

Monday, Comair announced it was eliminating 200 pilot positions, which includes 86 pilots in training positions.

The nation's second largest commuter airline said the cutbacks are the result of financial restructuring that includes selling off 17 of its 119 aircraft.

Comair operated more than 800 daily flights to 95 cities in the United States, Canada, the Bahamas and Mexico before the strike began.

Comair is a division of Delta Air Lines, which also is embroiled in a contract dispute with its pilots.

Comair cuts 200 pilot jobs in mid-strike
April 17, 2001
Strike advice: Comair passenger alternatives
March 28, 2001
Pilots' strike grounds Comair flights
March 26, 2001

Comair
Air Line Pilots Association

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