So It's Come To This...

In case you had any doubts how worried airline workers are about looming industry consolidation... on Thursday the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) took the radical step of urging lawmakers to resist appeals to approve additional airline consolidation,and instead consider measured re-regulation of fares and capacity as the only way to ensure safe and reliable air transportation in the United States.

"Limited re-regulation is the only long-term solution for an industry that is continually seeking government assistance," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr., at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the state of the airline industry. "This industry is simply unable to turn away from pricing its product below the cost of providing it, further perpetuating the chaotic spiral that brings us here today."

The IAM's complete testimony is available at the FMI link below.

"Airlines today compete by cutting standards, eliminating services and reducing ticket prices to the bone, which makes a profitable industry impossible," said Roach. "The Government Accountability Office estimates that median ticket prices have dropped nearly 40 percent since 1980, while the costs of aircraft, airport leases and fuel have increased dramatically."

"When an industry essential to the national economy can no longer function, it is the responsibility of elected representatives to step in and provide the necessary guidance and stability," said Roach.

The IAM is the largest airline and rail union in North America, representing more than 170,000 Flight Attendants, Customer Service Agents, Reservation Agents, Ramp Service Personnel, Mechanics, Railroad Machinists and related transportation industry workers.

FMI: www.goiam.org/mergers