Dear Sisters and Brothers:For years, TWU members have joined together to fight for fairness at American Airlines and American Eagle. We’ve had some long hard battles. We now face a new challenge, as a result of a decision by management at AMR to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
While we believe this bankruptcy could and should have been avoided, we have long been aware that company executives were considering this maneuver. Two years ago, in an effort to aggressively represent the interests of our members and our families, the TWU retained highly qualified bankruptcy attorneys, with extensive experience representing aviation workers and their unions.
Beginning today, the very first day of a long and complex bankruptcy case, our attorneys from the firm of Lowenstein and Sander PC will file a “Notice of Appearance” in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York which will gain us access to all pertinent court documents and proceedings.
We also plan on attending today’s court hearing on behalf of thousands of TWU active and retired workers, and our families.
As the bankruptcy process moves forward, American Airlines and American Eagle will continue to operate, and all employees should report for their regular work schedules. Our pay, benefits and work rules, however, are subject to reduction by ruling of the federal bankruptcy judge.
We will fight like hell to make sure that front line workers don’t pay an unfair price for management’s failings. While we are confident that our attorneys will represent us effectively in court, the best way to minimize the harmful impact of bankruptcy on our members is for us to stand together, as a union, with one voice.
Unfortunately, there are some among us that will spread misinformation or who will argue that in their opinion we do not have a problem or who promote agendas beyond what is best for our members and their families. I urge you to be wary of those who spread false information and to listen to our legal experts that advise the International and who have the knowledge and experience to help you through this bankruptcy.
In the TWU, we have always believed that an informed membership is an empowered membership. To provide as much information as possible as the bankruptcy case moves forward we have:
Scheduled a conference call today with presidents of American Airlines and American Eagle local unions.
Transformed our negotiations website into a web page with information about bankruptcy for TWU members and families. Please go to aa.twu.org for the most updated information on the filing.
Posted a Q and A about the bankruptcy process, as well as a news release issued earlier today to the media at aa.twu.org.
These will be trying times for everyone. A court-supervised bankruptcy involves multiple parties, including management, creditors, AMR service providers and our union. While we cannot control the process, we have taken the steps necessary to make sure our voice is heard.
Please visit aa.twu.org, contact your local union and do all you can to stay informed and involved. Working together, standing together, and speaking with one voice is the best way to move forward for our members and our families.
In Solidarity
James C. Little
International President
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