ABX Air pilots have been ordered to return to work after a judge ruled differences must be resolved through arbitration and other provisions in their labour agreement.

US District Court Judge Timothy S. Black ruled that the disagreements with the pilots and their union, Airline Professional Association of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 1224, over work scheduling issues was a “minor dispute” and must be resolved under the terms of the labour agreement.

ABX Air president, John Starkovich says: “I am pleased that the court continues to recognise the value to all parties from continuing to work out remaining differences in negotiations and through arbitration.”

“We intend to resume those discussions at the appropriate time and place in order to find solutions that are in the best interests of our customers, shareholders and employees.”