Sign That Union Wants Friendlier Relations With AAL?

American Airlines pilots Tuesday picked a new union leader -- one who campaign on forming a kinder, gentler relationship with the company.

The Allied Pilots Association handed former Vice President Ralph Hunter to lead the union, with 57-percent of the vote. He won over fellow challenger Mark Hunnibell in a contest to replace outgoing APA President John Darrah.

American seems anxious to work on a more friendly note with APA pilots. "We're looking forward to continuing the work we've begun and to working with new leadership at APA as we return American Airlines to profitability," spokeswoman Sonja Whitemon told the Dallas Morning News.

APA members also voted on a new vice president. Greg Shayman will take that spot. James Eaton was voted in as secretary-treasurer.

Internally, the union's first priority will be on how to spend $23 million it won in arbitration with American. Union leaders also say they're considering how to deal with the airline's plan to fly smaller, 100-seat aircraft.

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org