Union Representatives Gather On Capitol Hill To Lobby Against DOJ Lawsuit

Over the past two days, hundreds of members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA ("AFA"), the Allied Pilots Association ("APA"), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants ("APFA"), the Communications Workers of America ("CWA"), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters ("IBT"), the Transport Workers Union ("TWU") and the US Airline Pilots Association ("USAPA"), unions representing 70,000 American Airlines and US Airways employees, including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, technicians, aircraft dispatchers, call center representatives, airport customer service agents and fleet service employees, traveled to Washington D.C. and met with more than fifty Senators and nearly 300 congressmen to make the case for the benefits of combining American Airlines and US Airways.

The two-day event culminated in an employee rally on Capitol Hill, which was attended by members of Congress and the leaders of unions who demonstrated their support for the combination.

Laura Glading, President, Association of Professional Flight Attendants, American Airlines, said "The DOJ's lawsuit to block the merger jeopardizes the futures of our members and all of the hard-working aviation professionals at American and US Airways. Our members have endured a turbulent aviation industry over the past decade. The combination of American and US Airways promises a more competitive airline with a reliable future and long term opportunities. We strongly believe that this is the best path forward. That is why our members have shown – and continue to show – unprecedented support for this combination."

"American and US Airways should not be denied the opportunity to compete globally. The new American's strong domestic network will serve as the foundation for enhanced international service – and strongly position the combined airline to compete on a global basis," said Bill Gray, Local President, Transport Workers Union, representing American Airlines and US Airways TWU members.

"The DOJ believes it is responsible for protecting consumers," said Capt. Gary Hummel, President, US Airline Pilots Association, US Airways. "As professional airline pilots, you know that's our job as well. We realize that airlines must be allowed to compete, yet still be able to invest in their future. They must be able to not only survive, but be strong global companies, capable of investing in the next generation of technology and aircraft, as well as recruiting the next generation of our nation's talented youth to safely pilot these planes. This merger enhances competition and makes sense for our passengers while providing a more stable career path for future pilots. That is how you ultimately protect the consumer."

"Flight Attendants are ready to make the most out of the opportunities available through this merger. This combination is about certainty and stability for workers and additional choices for passengers," said Roger Holmin, President, Association of Flight Attendants, US Airways.

Capt. Keith Wilson, President, Allied Pilots Association, American Airlines, said "What we are asking is simple: Let us compete. Together. American and US Airways can succeed together in a way that neither can alone, bringing new competition to the domestic and international airlines. We stand ready to serve customers as the new American, and we deserve that shot."

"The Teamsters fully support the merger of US Airways and American Airlines. I have no doubt that this merger will allow our members to compete on a fair basis in the airline industry and to better serve customers with a stronger and more reliable airline.," said Capt. David Bourne, Director Airline Division for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing US Airways customer service agents. "Moreover, this merger enhances job security for employees of both airlines because they will be allowed to compete fairly with other merged carriers in the industry."

FMI: www.afacwa.org, www.alliedpilots.org, http://apfa.org