Despite assurances from Tampa Bay Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett, a labor dispute between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and management of Miami Air International may leave the Lightning in an air travel struggle for the remainder of the season. As reported by Larry Halstead in the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the airline – the team charter for road trips – is facing a potential strike by crew personnel. A strike vote was conducted on March 20 and 84% approved the action, if released by the National Mediation Board.

The dispute between crew and airline naturally centers on wages and benefits. After 18 months of negotiation, there has been no agreement on a new labor contract. Any strike could disrupt plans for the final road trip of the season, beginning April 1 and including games in Carolina, Washington, and Atlanta. According to spokesman Wickett, however, Miami Air International is confident that any strike action wouldn’t begin until after the regular hockey season ends.

A strike, and disruption of airline operations, might also impact other teams that use MAI as their charter, including the Florida Panthers, the NBA’s Heat, as well as other college and professional teams nationwide.

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Bill Johnson is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network

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