The national union for Comair's pilots is making its pitch to those walking the picket lines in a possible effort to end the 48-day strike.

        Air Line Pilots Association International this week mailed each Comair pilot a letter that says the government's settlement proposal being voted on by pilots “improved upon the company's offer.”

        It also lays out how the proposal was reached and the ramifications of what could happen if it is rejected.

        “And our (Master Executive Council) has done the same thing,” said Paul Lackie, spokesman for Comair's local 1,350-member ALPA branch. “All of our pilots are painfully aware that the company has said it is willing to commit suicide.”

        Comair officials have said all week that the company would continue to downsize or could go under if the pilots vote no.

        The pilots have been vot ing since Thursday on a settlement proposed by the National Mediation Board on May 3, and results should be announced tonight.

        Rejection of the proposal would continue the strike that began March 26 and grounded Erlanger-based Comair.

        The letter, which began arriving at pilots' homes Thursday, does not tell the pilots which way to vote. It clearly says that it is just passing along what the company says could happen.

        It was provided to the Enquirer by a striking pilot who requested anonymity and was verified by two other sources.

        “It's probably the national union's way to say this is the best deal Comair pilots could hope to get,” said Frank Dooley, Purdue University business professor and expert on airline labor negotiations.

        Comair spokeswoman Meghan Glynn would not comment on the letter.

        ALPA International spokeswoman Anya Piazza also would not comment.

Union cautions pilots about 'no' vote
DHL has big plans for hub
Building will automate air-freight operation
P&G nurtures pharmaceuticals
Hendricks quits Baldwin board
Portman bill won't help many
Prepare now for tax day
Stock of the week
The Week Ahead
Consumers spend; but how long?
Fewer saving for retirement
Tristate Summary
What's the Buzz?
Get ready to play on cell phone
Some healthy livestock killed