Hourly Pay Would Stay The Same

It's a cause-and-effect relationship as old as time itself: if you want to earn more money... you'll have to work more. Executives at the world's largest airline have taken that attitude to heart.

This week, American Airlines told representatives with the Allied Pilots Association the airline is willing to consider allowing its pilots to fly more hours, as part of its pitch in ongoing contract negotiations.

Talks on a new contract began last year; the current APA contract opens for amending in 2008.

"This provides voluntary opportunities for pilots to increase their earnings," American Airlines spokeswoman Sue Gordon told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "And it gives us the ability to boost our efficiency and be more competitive."

The proposal -- reportedly the first significant movement since talks began last XXXX -- would increase the maximum number of hours an American Airlines pilot may be scheduled from 78 to 82 per month. It would also give pilots the option of volunteering to work up to 15 additional hours per month.

American's pilots now work the fewest number of hours among domestic carriers. Even with overtime, the new deal would keep pilots below the 100 hour maximum per month set by the FAA.

If implemented, the proposal would be a win/win situation for American. More hours worked equals greater productivity... and the airline wouldn't have to raise pay.

"This sets the foundation to allow us to move forward and amend other areas of the contract," Gordon said.

How sturdy that "foundation" truly is remains to be seen, however. American's pilots originally wanted as much as a 30 percent pay raise, and signing bonuses... although they've since backed off both of those caveats.

Still, American's overtures are playing a bit hollow to pilots.

"This move by management should not be considered as anything more than the negotiating tactic that it is," said Ron Hunt, Chairman of the union's Chicago chapter, in an email to pilots this week. "It should not go unnoticed that what management is doing by releasing this information is nothing more than attempting to go around your union, manage your expectations and negotiate directly with you."

Pilots are sticking firm to calls for pay guarantees when trips are cancelled, as long as they later make up the time. They also want provisions for online training.

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org, www.aa.com