US online retailer Amazon.com has suspended its use of ABX Air (GB, Wilmington Air Park) as a freight forwarder following a carrier workforce threat to resume industrial action.
"We rebalanced capacity across our carrier partners and we are leaving the adjustments in place until we are certain there will be no further disruptions," an Amazon spokeswoman told Recode news last week.
Almost 250 ABX Air pilots went on strike on November 22 forcing the cancellation of over seventy-five cargo flights for each of Amazon and DHL Express. The date coincided with the start of peak holiday shipping season.
Although airline management was able to secure a two-week restraining order against the strike, the pilots have warned that following its expiry, they may resume their action on December 7.
The pilots, who are represented by the Airline Professionals Association, Teamsters Local 1224 union, claim a shortage of flight crews at the airline has resulted in them being continuously forced to work ‘emergency’ assignments on their off time. They also claim ABX and ATSG management have refused to honor contractual provisions covering compensatory and vacation time to cover the pilot deficit.
