We are the 300 professional, highly trained pilots of Trans States Airlines (TSA). We are based in St. Louis, and Washington Dulles, flying express flights for United Airlines and US Airways. We operate 50-seat jets, fly more than 180 daily flights to 39 cities, and safely transport nearly 2.4 million passengers a year.

Despite over four years of bargaining with our management, we are frustrated by the lack of progress and management's unwillingness to wholeheartedly engage in the negotiations process as overseen by the National Mediation Board. This slow and arduous process has a negative effect on TSA pilots -- and many are leaving the airlines and the industry. TSA pilots have endured a substandard contract for more than eight years. Our pay, benefits, work rules and job security are below that of other pilots at airlines of comparable size providing comparable service. Our substandard pay is particularly insulting because Trans States Airlines is among the most profitable airlines and is the fifth largest in the regional industry.

• FACT: Trans States pilots earn 7% to 23% less pay than pilots at other comparable airlines.
• FACT: Trans States' 1% 401(k) match is the lowest in the industry.
• FACT: Trans States pilots' health insurance premiums are among the highest in the industry.
• FACT: Trans States Holdings, parent company to Trans States Airlines, created an alter-ego carrier named GoJet that threatens the job security of Trans States pilots.

We deserve a contract that provides industry average pay, benefits, work rules and job security. In response to TSA's delay tactics, TSA pilots are moving forward with a strategic initiative designed to strengthen our preparedness in the event the two parties cannot reach an agreement.

To negotiate a contract agreeable to the pilots or to Strike the Airline.