Airlines for America (A4A) reports the completed integration of the Airline Industrial Relations Conference (AIR Conference) into A4A, a move strengthening the association’s labor expertise and providing a venue for carriers to address labor and employment policy issues.
AIR Conference was originally chartered as a nonprofit association by the airline industry in 1971 to facilitate intercarrier exchange of information on negotiations and other employee relations. It served as the only legally approved forum for joint study of labor policy matters of common interest to the scheduled carriers, A4A says.
The functions of AIR Conference were assumed by A4A effective Jan. 1. As part of the agreement, A4A has formed a new Labor and Employment council, comprising representatives from its members, to strengthen and advance the labor relations and employment interests of its member carriers and employees.
“This step enhances the role of Airlines for America as an industry leader and expert on key issues relevant to our members, including labor relations,” said A4A Senior Vice President and General Counsel David Berg. “Adding the expertise of AIR Conference to A4A enhances our leadership position for the U.S. airline industry. We look forward to building on Air Conference’s strong tradition of working collaboratively with the National Mediation Board."
Effective immediately, Robert DeLucia will join A4A as Assistant General Counsel and Vice President of Labor and Employment. DeLucia served nearly 30 years at AIR Conference and has extensive experience in airline employment law and labor relations, A4A says.
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