The dispute between pilots and DHL will be settled through mediation employing a federal mediator to assist with the process. More than 1300 pilot and DHL carriers will be affected.

The National Mediation Board accepted a request from the Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 to assist with mediation with Atlas Air. The NMB often facilitates mediation sessions between labor and management in various industries.

Atlas Air announced earlier in 2016 that it was purchasing the Florence-based Southern Air, and as a result, pilots said the company wanted to force them to work from both companies in an amalgamated contract. They believe this will suppress wages and lower quality of life for the pilots. The majority of the more than 1300 pilots are based or operate from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Pilots also point out the Southern Air contract negotiated several years ago during bankruptcy contains wage, benefit, and job protection that are not up to par with those of FedEx and UPS. Now, they believe the allowances they made because of bankruptcy should be eliminated and a new contract provided. According to the communications chairman of Local 1224, “We believe the federal government intervening will make sure they work with us to come to a fair contract agreement…”

Pilots accuse DHL of playing behind the scenes. DHL commented only that it was aware of the situation and is monitoring it closely, and that the companies are committed to “… constructive, good faith negotiations with its pilots’ union.” Mediation is set to begin in the coming weeks.