Pilots nationwide picketing for change after summer of airline woes
NEW YORK -- Ahead of the busy Labor Day weekend, off-duty pilots picketed at a dozen airports across the country.
Dozens of pilots marched at John F. Kennedy International Airport while holding signs reading "Ready to strike."
They say they're demanding better contracts and they want airlines to fix operational problems that lead to delays and cancelations, which impact both passengers and pilots.
"We live the same life they do. We sit in the airports waiting for flights, as well, so we very much understand their frustration," said Capt. Wesley Reed, executive vice president of the Air Pilots Association.
"It's not just about pay. Obviously, pay is an issue. It's about quality of life. Our schedules have never been worse," said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, chairman of the Delta Pilots Union.
More than 120,000 domestic flights have been canceled so far this year due to staffing, weather and other issues.
Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched an airline customer service dashboard, which helps travelers figure out which services airlines will provide when a flight is canceled or delayed. To view the dashboard, click here.
