American Airlines Pilots Union Prepares to Seek Federal Mediation in Contract Negotiations

american airlinesAccording to a memo from the union group, the pilot union is taking steps to seek federal mediation in contract negotiations as negotiations with the nation’s largest carrier drag on.

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 15,000 American Airlines aviators, said in a message to pilots last week that its board unanimously approved the union’s proposal to prepare a bid for the National Mediation Board to participate in its negotiations with the company, although it had not been filed as of noon. Monday.

The union’s potential request for National Mediation Board intervention comes more than three months after US CEO Robert Isom offered pilots a 17 percent raise in a new contract offer.

Large experimental groups in the US, including Southwest, United, Delta as well as FedExhave struggled to reach agreements as they push for higher wages amid high inflation and better schedules after the rollercoaster pandemic saw flying hours fall and then increase.

Several groups have already approached mediation. In recent months, the pilots of these carriers have been picketing.

Compensation and some working conditions are among the issues still being discussed with the American, APA spokesman Dennis Thayer said.

Alaska Airlines said on Monday its member pilots have ratified a new three-year contract, including a pay increase of up to 23%, making the Seattle-based airline an exception among major carriers in reaching an agreement.

The American did not immediately comment. The carrier reports quarterly results and demand outlook ahead of the market open on Thursday.