Sun Country pilots edge closer to strike threat

The union representing 250 Sun Country Airlines pilots has asked the National Mediation Board to declare an impasse in contract talks if there's no agreement after one more round of mediation.

An impasse declaration would open the door to a strike after a 30-day cooling-off period. Union spokesman Darin Kluck said the union doesn't want to strike, but he pointed out that the parties have been in contract talks for five years.

"And in mediation for more than three years," he said. "Our pay rates haven't changed for over 10 years, since 2005. So, unfortunately, we don't believe the company will change its position without a cooling-off period and a firm strike deadline."

The union says that pay rates are as much as 45 percent lower than the industry average, and that there is no sign the company is acting on its threat to shut down over the disagreement.

The company has not responded to a request for comment. Sun Country flew 1.7 million passengers to or from the Twin Cities last year.

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