Fragile Economy Cited As Principal Reason

Analysts covering both sides of airline labor negotiations don't forsee the National Mediation Board allowing a service-disrupting strike for either United or American Airlines. Both are currently engaged in labor negotiations.

Jerry Glass, a longtime negotiator for airline management, told an American Bar Association aviation conference “The reality is our economy is in such a fragile state that the notion of the Mediation Board rushing through and creating the potential to put 70,000 or 80,000 people out of work – I don’t see it.”

The Wall Street Journal Travel Blog "Middle Seat Terminal" points out that strikes or lockouts at airlines can only happen after a federal mediator releases both sides into a 30 day cooling off period. Former ALPA Senior Attorney Russ Bailey told the conference that was unlikely to happen until the two sides are close to an agreement.

Airline strikes can also be prevented by Presidential intervention.

While the two airlines and several unions involved seem to be far apart at the present time, Glass said the economy will play a major role in any decision.  “The Mediation Board will be careful to not do anything to make this economy go backwards,” he said.

FMI: www.aa.com, www.united.com