The Allied Pilots Association has announced that it would seek government involvement in its contract negotiations with American Airlines.
Following Covid, several airline unions in the United States are in the process of negotiating new contracts.
Alaska Airlines pilots have recently ratified their new contract.
According to a statement from the labour organisation, American Airlines’ pilot union is considering requesting federal mediation in contract discussions with the country’s largest carrier.
In a letter to pilots last week, the Allied Pilots Association said its board unanimously endorsed a move for the union to draught an application for National Mediation Board involvement in its negotiations with the firm, but it had not submitted as of Monday afternoon.
The union’s probable application to the National Mediation Board comes more than three months after American CEO Robert Isom promised pilots 17% increases in a new contract proposal.
Major pilot groups in the United States, include those at Southwest, United, and Delta as well as FedEx, have failed to reach a deal as they demand wage raises despite rising inflation and improved schedules following a rollercoaster outbreak that saw flying hours cut and then increase.
Several organisations have already used mediation. These airlines’ pilots have been picketing in recent months.
Compensation and some working conditions are among the concerns that remain unresolved with American, according to APA spokesperson Dennis Tajer.
Alaska Airlines announced Monday that its pilots had approved a new three-year contract with compensation increases of up to 23%, making the Seattle-based company an outlier among major carriers in striking an agreement.
American did not respond right away. Before the market opens on Thursday, the carrier will release its quarterly earnings and demand forecast.
