Unions Prepare For Possible Merger Of US Airways And American Airlines

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Unions Prepare For Possible Merger Of US Airways And American Airlines By Mike Mitchell

		April 22, 2012 - US Airways Management announced they have signed agreements with three unions at American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The three unions issued a joint statement of support for a merger with US Airways. ?We look forward to working with our contemporaries at American Airlines; however, if a deal is made, it must include a solid and mutually beneficial commitment by our Management that recognizes the sacrifices the pilots have made to keep these two airlines flying.? USAPA's Officers have been in conversation with their counterparts at the Allied Pilots Association the past few days, and have scheduled their first face-to-face meeting next week to discuss the details of a potential merger.

?The pilots from American Airlines and US Airways have a lot in common," USAPA President Captain Gary Hummel stated. "After the 9/11 attacks, American pilots took billions in contract concessions that remain in effect. Likewise, the US Airways pilots lost their pensions and gave up more than $7 billion in wage and benefit concessions in order to keep their airline solvent. There have been very few tangible benefits for US Airways pilots as a result of the 2005 Merger with America West, which still has not been fully completed.? Captain Hummel went on to say, "We look forward to working with our contemporaries at American Airlines; however, if a deal is made, it must include a solid and mutually beneficial commitment by our Management that recognizes the sacrifices the pilots have made to keep these two airlines flying." The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) reassured its members at US Airways that it will aggressively represent their interests in any potential takeover of bankrupt American Airlines. ?The IAM?s first responsibility is to protect the seniority, job-security, wages, benefits and pensions of our members at US Airways,? said IAM Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja. ?We have a long history at US Airways, with substantial experience defending members during mergers and uncertain economic times. We are fully prepared to protect our members as this process unfolds.?

While US Airways made its intention to acquire American Airlines public, the move is certain to encounter many obstacles, including bankruptcy court, shareholder approval and regulatory scrutiny. ?Too often we have seen airline consolidation advance at the expense of airline workers, except for the corporate executives who cut jobs, raise fares, reduce service, and shower themselves with cash and bonuses,? said Pantoja. ?The IAM will oppose any merger that would take place at the expense of workers, the flying public, and the communities served by these two airlines.?

		?Employees at both carriers can be assured that the IAM will utilize every available resource to ensure they are protected during this process,? said Pantoja. ?The IAM will fight for the fair treatment of all employees at US Airways and American Airlines.? Other News Stories (For the latest news please checkout our home page) Aviation Reform Legislation To Address Cargo Pilots Porter Airlines Operates Canada's First Biofuel-Powered Revenue Flight Seattle?s Museum Of Flight Welcomes First Portion Of NASA?s Shuttle Trainer Gulfstream To Award Two Aviation Maintenance Scholarships Airline Pilots Meet With Senate Banking Committee On Ex?Im Bank Reauth From Vietnam To OEF, Pilot Flies Last Mission Of Career Delta Air Lines Signs Agreement With OSHA On Seat Belt Compliance Measures Venture Aircraft Acquires Assets Of Swift-Cor Aerospace Space Command Officials To Eliminate Airmen Flight Suit And The Leather Jacket TSA Testing Document Verification Technology At Washington Dulles Airport FAA's Manage Systems Engineering 2020 Contracting Practices Insufficient Court Upholds Night Time Flight Ban At Frankfurt Airport British Airways Acquires British Midland Airways, Forecast Net 1,200 Layoffs Boeing Makes 737 MAX Design Changes Improves Fuel Performance CBP Air And Marine Spot Submersible Loaded With Cocaine Worth $1 Billion Space Shuttle Discovery To Make Last Flight With A Fly Over Washington DC NTSB Issues Recommendations To Increase Safety At Air Races Alaska Airlines Partners With Banfield Pet Hospital For Fur-St Class Pet Care U.S. - Brazil Aviation Partnership To Connect Brazil And U.S. Aviation Sectors Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Host Dies In Plane Crash Lockheed Martin Awarded Digital Cockpit Contract On Navy MH-60 Helicopters Court Order Restricts Trading Of Equity And Debt Claims Against Pinnacle Airlines Aircraft Parts Brokers Sentenced For Procurement Fraud Against The Military F/A-18 Navy Jet Crashes In Virginia Beach Destroying A Number Of Homes Coast Guard Purchases 2 More Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Airplanes Border Patrol Seizes Two Aircraft Involved In Alien Smuggling FAA Launches Air Traffic Control NextGen Initiative In Houston Airbus Starts Final Assembly Of First A350 XWB Heathrow Games Terminal At Heathrow Airport Reaches Major Milestone MD Helicopters Announces New MD 540F Helicopter Boeing Successfully Completes CST-100 Spacecraft Parachute Drop Test First F-35 Center Fuselage Produced By Integrated Assembly Line TSA Precheck Screening Benefits Expanding To Additional Airports Air Traffic Controllers Association President, Paul Rinaldi To Serve Second Term