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Unions Prepare For
Possible Merger Of US Airways
And American Airlines By Mike Mitchell |
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April 22, 2012 - US Airways Management announced they
have signed agreements with three unions at American
Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the
Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA),
and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The three unions
issued a joint statement of support for a merger with US
Airways.
?We look forward to working with our contemporaries at
American Airlines; however, if a deal is made, it must
include a solid and mutually beneficial commitment by
our Management that recognizes the sacrifices the pilots
have made to keep these two airlines flying.?
USAPA's Officers have been in conversation with their
counterparts at the Allied Pilots Association the past
few days, and have scheduled their first face-to-face
meeting next week to discuss the details of a potential
merger. |
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?The
pilots from American Airlines and US Airways have a lot in
common," USAPA President Captain Gary Hummel stated. "After the
9/11 attacks, American pilots took billions in contract
concessions that remain in effect. Likewise, the US Airways
pilots lost their pensions and gave up more than $7 billion in
wage and benefit concessions in order to keep their airline
solvent. There have been very few tangible benefits for US
Airways pilots as a result of the 2005 Merger with America West,
which still has not been fully completed.?
Captain
Hummel went on to say, "We look forward to working with our
contemporaries at American Airlines; however, if a deal is made,
it must include a solid and mutually beneficial commitment by
our Management that recognizes the sacrifices the pilots have
made to keep these two airlines flying." ?The IAM?s first responsibility is to protect the seniority, job-security, wages, benefits and pensions of our members at US Airways,? said IAM Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja. ?We have a long history at US Airways, with substantial experience defending members during mergers and uncertain economic times. We are fully prepared to protect our members as this process unfolds.? |