US Airline Pilots Association Addresses Possible Merger with American Airlines
20-Apr-2012 This morning, US Airways Management announced they have signed agreements with three unions at American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), and the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The three unions issued a joint statement of support for a merger with US Airways.
USAPA's Officers have been in conversation with their counterparts at the Allied Pilots Association the past few days, and have scheduled their first face-to-face meeting next week to discuss the details of a potential merger.
"The pilots from American Airlines and US Airways have a lot in common," USAPA President Captain Gary Hummel stated. "After the 9/11 attacks, American pilots took billions in contract concessions that remain in effect. Likewise, the US Airways pilots lost their pensions and gave up more than $7 billion in wage and benefit concessions in order to keep their airline solvent. There have been very few tangible benefits for US Airways pilots as a result of the 2005 Merger with America West, which still has not been fully completed."
Captain Hummel went on to say, "We look forward to working with our contemporaries at American Airlines; however, if a deal is made, it must include a solid and mutually beneficial commitment by our Management that recognizes the sacrifices the pilots have made to keep these two airlines flying."