Federal mandates and meddling in the airline industry, along with mandated increased 'security' hassles, now coupled to the police action in Iraq (and, to a smaller extent, in Afghanistan) have taken the airline industry from a lousy position to a terrible one. The unions, in support of their airline, are asking the federal government to stop placing burdens on their business, and on their passengers -- enough "help" is enough!

Here is the official statement from the UAL-MEC, calling on Congress and the Bush administration to provide relief to the airline industry:

In support of the Airline Pilots Association, and the airline industry as a whole, UAL-MEC Chairman Paul Whiteford issued the following statement.

"As patriotic Americans who have served our country in times of peace and now war, the 9,000 pilots of United Airlines call upon Congress, President Bush and his administration to provide relief to our beleaguered airline industry. We are joining with the more than 83,000 employees of United Airlines and the 66,000 members of ALPA in requesting that the US Government make available assistance and support to ensure that the US airline industry remains a vibrant, vital and stable means of transportation.

The pilots of United have already sacrificed a great deal, and are willing to sacrifice even more to ensure that our company exits bankruptcy the strongest, soundest carrier in the US. Unfortunately, world events hinder us from going it alone. We ask the government to provide the type of relief necessary to save our jobs, protect our families and secure our economic freedom.

This week many of our brother and sister pilots will petition Congress for emergency relief from the crushing taxes and costs of security levied on the airline industry since the tragic events of 9/11 and heightened since the beginning of the war in Iraq."

ALPA's requests of Congress and the Administration to help the airline industry as the war continues with Iraq include:

1. The repeal of the passenger security tax and air carrier security fee
2. A TSA takeover all screening of passengers and property and the costs for each as intended in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act
3. The Aviation Insurance program contained in the Department of Homeland Security statute should be extended permanently, as should the $100 million liability cap
4. Taxes and fees paid by passengers, shippers and airlines should be suspended for the duration of the war, plus one year

Any or all of these measures, as part of a legislative package, would offer airlines much needed relief from non-market federal mandates.

FMI: www.alpa.org