Quick Response and Grace Under Fire Embodies Values of the Union

(WASHINGTON) - The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien regarding the two members of Teamsters Local 1224 who prevented Alaska Air Flight 2059 from crashing after a security threat in the flight deck emerged.

“The two members represented by Teamsters Local 1224 saved the lives of more than 80 people who were aboard that flight. These two pilots, who have decades of flight experience between them, are heroes. Their rapid and level-headed response enabled them to de-escalate the situation, land the plane safely and protect their passengers.

“They are the embodiment of the courage, selflessness, and solidarity that being a Teamster is all about. On behalf of more than one million people represented by the Teamsters, I extend to them my utmost gratitude.”

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org to learn more and follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.