'We Gave When Needed... Now We'd Like It Back'

Now that the airline is showing a profit, will pilots for American Airlines get back some of what they gave up to keep the nation's number one airline afloat? That's what the Allied Pilots Association wants.

The APA represents American's 13,000 pilots... and they opened contract negotiations with American on Thursday offering a first proposal.

In a statement, APA says their proposal recognizes sacrifices American's pilots made to keep the company solvent. Pilots want more money... more schedule flexibility... and a more secure retirement plan.

"The key issues are compensation, job security, retirement security and what we call gain-sharing," said APA communications chairman Denis Breslin. "If we sacrifice to make the company great, we expect a share in the reward."

APA President Captain Ralph Hunter said, “Thanks in large measure to the sacrifices made by our pilots and other line employees... American Airlines has successfully navigated from the brink of bankruptcy.”

As Aero-News reported, in 2003 American's pilots agreed to give up $660 million a year to help American restructure outside of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In its most recent financial statement, the airline reported a $291 million profit in the second quarter of 2006.

APA also made note of the big bonuses paid in April for American's management... bonuses totaling nearly $94 million dollars.

APA's Hunter says it's time for pilots to get their fair share... and a return on the investment in the airline they made in 2003.

Reuters reports negotiations could take up to two years, which would be about right... as the current contract is amendable in 2008.

FMI: www.aa.com