Judge will delay Section 1113 ruling for all unions, pending pilot vote

Bankruptcy judge Sean Lane will delay his ruling on American's request to reject its labor agreements until August, pending the pilots union vote.

According to American Airlines spokesman Bruce Hicks, the additional time will be used to try to reach agreements with the flight attendants, mechanics and store clerks. The carrier has meetings scheduled with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants and the Transport Workers Union next week.

Hicks added that the airline is pleased with the Allied Pilots Association's decision to put the proposal out for a vote.

"We believe this agreement addresses the needs of our pilots while achieving the goals of our business plan, and further demonstrates our commitment to reaching consensual agreements with all of our unions," Hicks said.

Keep reading for the full statement from Hicks.

-Andrea Ahles

American Airlines spokesman Bruce Hicks

“American Airlines is pleased the Allied Pilots Association is putting out the tentative agreement for a vote. We believe this agreement addresses the needs of our pilots while achieving the goals of our business plan, and further demonstrates our commitment to reaching consensual agreements with all of our unions. 

“We recognize there are no easy decisions in any of this, but we are confident our pilots will carefully consider the tentative agreement. We have the opportunity to create a successful future for tens of thousands of American Airlines employees and this is a critical step in American's restructuring.

“With the APA action, Judge Lane will postpone his 1113 ruling on all of the unions’ contracts pending the outcome of the pilots’ vote. We must use the additional time wisely to reach agreements with APFA and TWU on the two remaining agreements rather than wait on the Judge's decision, and have negotiating dates for both groups scheduled for early next week. It's time to close this chapter and move forward with new contracts that will help build the foundation for a new, profitable and growing American Airlines.”

Comments

[airlinerealist]

That's smart. The pilots usually lead the way, so if they can get a deal done the others may follow.

For everyone's sake, let's hope!