American Airlines and Unions to talk

The first week of March 2010 will bring American Airlines face to face with representatives of the three different Unions responsible for their employees.  The talks centre on contract negotiations, and if succesful will establish working conditions at the organisation for years to come. 

The American's Transport Workers Union, Allied Pilots Association and Association of Professional Flight Attendants represent nearly 59,000 members of the American carrier and are looking to establish improved benefits for them.  Seven years ago workers agreed to limit their pay in order to save the airline from the brink of bankruptcy.

The Unions have concerns over the airline expenditure on new aircraft, the Global Oneworld alliance and Executive's bonuses without looking after their most "important asset".  President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, Laura Glading backed the need for improved wages by commenting that "the industry outlook is brighter for 2010 and the oneworld antitrust approval and Japan Airlines deal strengthen American's future viability and economic competitiveness."

The airline has a number of different unresolved contract items with each of the Unions, despite some agreements already being reached. The airline said that a balance must be made between "worker compensation (and) prodctivity".  However, the American spokeswoman Missy Latham stressed that they must remain "focused on the long-term economic health of the company in a competitive industry"

Source: Tulsa World