American Airlines Hoping For More Successful Union Talks
NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 News) - American Airlines is hoping to follow the successful talks with its pilots union with new contracts for its flight attendants and maintenance crews, before a bankruptcy judge takes matters into his own hands.
American Airlines spokesman Bruce Hicks said in a statement:
"We must use the additional time wisely to reach agreements with APFA (Association of Professional Flight Attendants) and TWU (Transportation Workers Union) on the two remaining agreements rather than wait on the Judge's decision...It's time to close this chapter and move forward with new contracts that will help build the foundation for a new, profitable and growing American Airlines."
Talks were scheduled with the APFA from Tuesday through Thursday of this week. Two days of unsuccessful talks Monday and Tuesday have led both sides to agree on a third day of talks next Monday.
American's concessions with the pilots union sparked another round of talks with the flight attendants and some of its maintenance workers.
The incentive for the airline is to have its labor contracts under control to avoid a bankruptcy judge handling affairs for them.
The flight attendants hope they'll see concessions similar to those received by the pilots, such as a reduction in payroll cuts. But clearly, a desired merger with US Airways is still a part of their agenda.
In a letter posted to its members, APFA's president, Laura Glading, wrote:
"....APFA is willing to negotiate as long as management is willing to move from their original demands, which were unacceptable....Our team will work to achieve not only favorable terms for our membership, but also assurances that American will cooperate with potential investors."
Also Check Out:
