Leaders of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing more than 26,000 workers at American Airlines, applauded today the agreement in principle reached by members of the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and AMR, the airline’s parent company.
“It’s good news for American, its employees and its customers that APA members are moving towards reaching consensual agreements, as our members have, which protect the interests of employees and give American an opportunity for a secure and stable future,” said TWU International President James C. Little.
AMR has been in bankruptcy reorganization since November of 2011. Since that time, TWU members have negotiated consensual agreement for workers in seven work groups, including Maintenance and Related; Fleet and Ground Service; Simulator Technicians; Flight Ground Instructors; Dispatchers; Maintenance Control Technicians and Material Logistics Specialists.
Coming to consensual agreements in this environment has been difficult for all labor groups at AMR. TWU members made a tough decision and chose to accept the consensual agreements that were worked out during bankruptcy proceedings. The union’s consensual agreements with American, at the insistence of TWU negotiators, include early opener provisions, automatic wage adjustments, various scope protections and important “me-too” language.
In addition, the agreements negotiated by TWU saved more than 6,800 jobs at American Airlines, through a combination of bargaining for reduced job cuts, early out and retirement incentives which reduced the need for involuntary layoffs.
The “me-too” provision has benefitted our members already during bankruptcy, providing TWU-represented workers with approximately $90 million in additional value each year.
Now, with the new agreement in principle reached between the APA and American Airlines, TWU financial experts will review the changes and determine if the company is required to add increased value to the TWU agreements.
“Any sacrifices that are necessary to keep this airline running have to be shared equally,” said Little. “That’s why TWU insisted on a “me-too” provision in every agreement we negotiated, and that’s why we have enforced them to deliver tens of millions of dollars to our members. We’ll continue on that path – and on a path that can make American a successful airline once again.”