In 1986, Houston-based Texas Air Corporation acquired Eastern Air Lines. At the time, Eastern was one of the United States' leading commercial airline carriers. Eastern Air Lines executives, led by Chief Executive Officer Frank Borman, had agreed to the sale because Eastern was facing financial hardship following federal deregulation of the airline industry and had ongoing disputes with labor organizations. Upon acquiring the airline, CEO Frank Lorenzo began the sale of assets of Eastern Air Lines, prompting protest from Eastern employees. The Eastern Air Lines strike began on March 4, 1989 with walkout of mechanics and ramp workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). These employees were soon joined by pilots represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) and flight attendants represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 553. Following the start of the strike, Lorenzo placed Eastern Air Lines under bankruptcy protection, using non-union employees to carry on the work of striking workers. However, with the surge in the price of aviation fuel following the onset of the Gulf War and unable to meet its operating costs, the airline further deteriorated financially. On January 18, 1991, Eastern Air Lines ceased operations. The strike lasted for 686 days. John Chaknis was an Eastern pilot and member of ALPA.
From the description of John Chaknis Eastern Airlines strike collection, 1986-1990. (Georgia State University). WorldCat record id: 266013030
