Thu, Sep 21, 2006
'We Gave When Needed... Now We'd Like It Back'
Now that the airline is
showing a profit, will pilots for American Airlines get back some
of what they gave up to keep the nation's number one airline
afloat? That's what the Allied Pilots Association wants.
The APA represents American's 13,000 pilots... and they opened
contract negotiations with American on Thursday offering a first
proposal.
In a statement, APA says their proposal recognizes sacrifices
American's pilots made to keep the company solvent. Pilots want
more money... more schedule flexibility... and a more secure
retirement plan.
"The key issues are compensation, job security, retirement
security and what we call gain-sharing," said APA communications
chairman Denis Breslin. "If we sacrifice to make the company great,
we expect a share in the reward."
APA President Captain Ralph Hunter said, “Thanks in large
measure to the sacrifices made by our pilots and other line
employees... American Airlines has successfully navigated from the
brink of bankruptcy.”
As Aero-News reported, in
2003 American's pilots agreed to give up $660 million a year to
help American restructure outside of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In its
most recent financial statement, the airline reported a $291
million profit in the second quarter of 2006.
APA also made note of the big bonuses paid in April for
American's management... bonuses totaling nearly $94 million
dollars.
APA's Hunter says it's time for pilots to get their fair
share... and a return on the investment in the airline they made in
2003.
Reuters reports negotiations could take up to two years, which
would be about right... as the current contract is amendable in
2008.
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