MEC Leadership Says Vote Reflects Pay And Working Conditions

The American Eagle Master Executive Council (MEC), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, voted Wednesday to reject a recently negotiated agreement that would have provided contract concessions in return for American Airlines Group (AAG) refleeting American Eagle Airlines with new Embraer 175 regional jets.

“The vote ... was about the future of our pilots’ pay and working conditions,” said Capt. William Sprague, chairman of the Eagle MEC. “Eagle pilots ratified a concessionary agreement during AMR’s bankruptcy in 2012, but our management wanted to reengage us for additional concessions a mere 10 days after AAG exited bankruptcy.

“Our elected representatives agreed that this new round of concessions was asking too much of a pilot group that has already given up previously agreed-to contractual work rules and benefits in order to ensure American Eagle’s solvency. We can no longer stand by and watch our wages continue to be eroded when profits continue to be made.

“Company representatives made it clear during these negotiations that, should the agreement be rejected, AAG will place additional aircraft with other carriers, closing the door on additional opportunities for the Eagle pilots. The Eagle MEC will explore all options in the coming weeks to advance the interests of Eagle pilots.”

(Image from file)

FMI: www.alpa.org