New Collective Bargaining Agreement Finally Ratified

American Eagle pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), ratified a collective bargaining agreement with management Wednesday, after an arduous negotiations process surrounding an unprecedented 16-year contract with AMR Corporation.

The union says the newly-ratified agreement contains improvements to work rules and quality of life provisions for the 2,800-plus pilots at American Eagle, while avoiding contractual concessions. These goals were attained with minimal increase to American Eagle's operating cost in these challenging economic times.

"With our industry confronting pilot furloughs, capacity reductions, consolidation and liquidations, our negotiators did a remarkable job in achieving the best possible solution for the Eagle pilot group," said Captain Herb Mark, chairman of the American Eagle pilots' unit of ALPA. "Our negotiators were asked to bring us an agreement that increases quality of life wherever possible but includes no concessions. The ratified collective bargaining agreement accomplishes our mission, while providing many improvements in ways that add real dollars to pilots' pockets."

The agreement was presented for ratification to the American Eagle Master Executive Council, the governing body of the American Eagle pilot unit within ALPA, at ALPA's 42nd Board of Directors meeting. When the contract becomes amendable at the end of 2012, the pilots will return to the traditional method of contract negotiations governed by Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act.

"American Eagle pilots have seen their share of ups and downs this year," said Mark. "Yet through it all they have steadfastly remained professional, consistently providing top-notch service and maintaining a safe, secure flying environment for our passengers."

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