The union representing American Airlines’ pilot escalated tensions over contract talks by voting to authorize a strike, even though the carrier said it is close to a deal.
The Allied Pilots Association, certified collective bargaining agent for the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, announced that its membership has voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike.
It’s the first in a long list of steps that could lead to pilots walking off the job as the Allied Pilots Association tries to exert pressure on American Airlines ahead of the busy summer travel season.
“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA President. “Fortunately, there is an alternative. By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.”
Capt. Sicher noted that APA has provided airline management with detailed data illustrating how the union’s proposals will drive improved reliability.
Strike authorization voting began on April 1 and ended at midnight Central on April 30. With more than 96 percent of the APA membership participating, more than 99 percent voted in favor of authorizing a strike.
“The APA membership has spoken. We will strike if necessary to secure the industry-leading contract that our pilots have earned and deserve – a contract that will position American Airlines for success,” Capt. Sicher said. “With more than 99 percent of participating pilots voting in favor of authorizing a strike, our pilots’ resolve is unmistakable. We will not be deterred from our goal of an industry-leading contract.”
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association also started voting to authorize a strike Monday, a move that has become a standard step in the contract negotiation process among major airline labor unions.
The strike threat is intended to speed up contract talks that are now in their third year. The Railway Labor Act, which covers the airline industry, doesn’t allow pilots to walk off the job unless federal regulators agree that the two sides are at an impasse — something that would likely be months or years away.
American Airlines spokeswoman Sarah Jantz said the carrier remains confident that an agreement is within reach and can be finalized quickly.
In a demonstration of their resolve, APA members will be conducting informational picketing today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time at all 10 of the airline's major hubs: Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Washington, D.C. (DCA).
“The strike authorization vote is one of several steps APA has taken to prepare for any eventuality and use all legal avenues available to us for contract improvement and resolution,” he said. “The best outcome is for APA and management to agree on an industry-leading contract – achieved through good-faith bargaining – benefiting our pilots, American Airlines, and the passengers we serve.”
However, the American Airlines CEO Robert Isom states that pilot pay would get boosted by $8 billion over four years under a new contract proposed. Effectively, American’s pilots would receive a 21% pay increase on average in the first year.
