The Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union representing American Airlines’ pilots, has announced that it will hold meetings with every pilot group in its jurisdiction to decide whether or not to move toward seeking mediation in the protracted contract negotiations with American management. The APA represents over 15,000 pilots and has been negotiating a new contract with American since May 2017. According to sources close to the negotiations, the APA is losing patience with management because of what they say are endless rounds of unproductive talks that have resulted in little progress toward resolving key issues like compensation, work rules and operational changes.
Continental Airlines
As talks with the nation’s largest carrier drudge on, the pilot union is moving toward requesting federal mediation in contract negotiations, according to a message from the labour organisation.
A motion to prepare an application for National Mediation Board intervention in its negotiations with the company was unanimously approved by the board of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 15,000 American Airlines pilots. However, as of Monday afternoon, the union had not yet filed the application.
More than three months after American CEO Robert Isom promised pilots 17% increases in a new contract proposal, the union may ask the National Mediation Board to step in.
major pilot organisations in the United States, including those at Southwest
the United, Delta both FedEx, who want salary hikes despite rising inflation and improved schedules following a pandemic that saw flying hours cut and then rise, have found it difficult to come to agreements.
Mediation has previously been used by some organisations. Recently, the pilots of such airlines have begun picketing.
According to APA spokesman Dennis Tajer, complaints with American include compensation and some working conditions.
Alaska Air Group
a new three-year contract with up to 23% in pay increases was approved by its pilots on Monday, making the Seattle-based airline an anomaly among major airlines in striking a deal.
American didn’t respond right away. Prior to the market opening on Thursday, the carrier releases its demand outlook and quarterly results.
