Said Union Will Not Support Merger Until Contracts Are Finalized

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) says that renewed contracts for its US Airways members must be concluded before the IAM is willing to support the merger of US Airways and American Airlines.

“IAM members at US Airways need and deserve contracts now,” said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney. “The Machinists Union will not allow US Airways to stall our members’ contract negotiations while it devotes its attention to merging with American Airlines. The IAM is prepared to support this merger only if it provides real value to employees.”

“The IAM has been in negotiations with US Airways to amend existing contracts for approximately two years,” said IAM District 142 President Tom Higginbotham. “US Airways, however, is more concerned with courting American Airlines than negotiating with its own employees.”

While US Airways and American Airlines today declared their intention to merge, the pairing still faces many obstacles, including shareholder and regulatory approval.

The IAM is the world’s largest airline union and its Air Transport Districts 141 and 142 represent more than 14,000 Mechanics and Related, Fleet Service, Maintenance Instructors and Stockroom employees at US Airways, making it the largest union at the airline.

FMI: www.usaaamerger.com