Opposes Anti-Trust Immunity For American Airlines

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) planned a two-hour informational picket in Washington, DC Wednesday to protest proposed anti-trust immunity in a possible deal between American Airlines and British Airways.

The picket was slated for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which is expected to vote later this month on an anti-trust waiver sought by American and BA. It is the third time the two airlines have asked for such a waiver. The union says the proposed alliance between the two airlines would mean fewer jobs, and has strongly urged the DOT to not grant anti-trust immunity for the deal.

In a statement announcing the picket, the APA said "Antitrust immunity is inherently anti-competitive, harming consumer interests. (It) is also anti-worker. Job outsourcing is a by-product of alliances. American Airlines management has refused to provide even industry-standard job protections for the pilots and other employees as part of its plans.  The European Commission (EC) announced earlier this month that American Airlines’ plans may violate rules governing restrictive business practices. The EC is investigating the oneworld Alliance and the Star Alliance for possible illegal conduct. If permitted to expand their scope, immunized airline alliances may lead to increased foreign control of U.S. airline operations, including maintenance practices and crew training. Antitrust immunity has implications for national security. U.S. carriers must remain ready to be deployed as needed for Civil Reserve Air Fleet duty. That readiness could be compromised by the type of virtual merger with foreign carriers that American Airlines is seeking."

The Fort-Worth Star Telegram reported that American reiterated a statement from last week indicating that it was still hopeful the alliance would be allowed to go forward, and expressed disappointment in the Union's opposition to the agreement.

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