AA-TWU deal near?

There's been an awful lot of chatter in the last few days that American and the TWU are close to a deal that would extend the union's contract for a couple of years with some money thrown in, but wouldn't be a complete contract overhaul.

According to the union, labor officials met with American CEO Gerard Arpey and members of his senior leadership on May 1 for several hours, then met again this Monday. "It was expressed during the meeting that the company is interested in continuing this negotiation process in an attempt to reach a settlement," stated a letter from Dennis Burchette, the TWU's AA system coordinator, to local chapter presidents.

There has been a lot of talk about it among union members on one online forum, which also includes some alleged details of the AA proposal to the TWU. We haven't confirmed any of those specifics, but they're here if you'd like to read them.

Readers may recall that American made a similar proposal to the union last fall, but that deal fell apart. Things have changed quite a bit since then, however, so it's possible that the TWU may be more interested in a short-term extension.

- Trebor Banstetter

Comments

[John S]

Should be interesting to see how this plays out. There are high expectations by the more vocal factions of the TWU and I suspect these will be dashed by the final agreement. Absent a significant decrease in costs I can't see AA being able to offer much more pay-wise, and certainly nothing like the 2001 contract they want reinstated.

[TWU Employee]

Their deal sucks and they can go back and come up with something better.

Can't believe it took them 7 weeks to come up with the garbage they presented.

It will never pass!!!

[jttrav]

I realize all labor groups want a contract that returns them to 2001 pay levels, but as stated above, the climate of the industry has drastically changed. It would be real progress if the TWU would accept this fact and be able to negotiate within the current market realm rather than through unrealistic pipe dreams. Clinging to the past does not serve anyone well.

[rick]

i would comment but "twu employee" said it all for me! right beside and behind ya brother!rick.

[TWU Employee]

Fellow Union Brother Rick,

You know, I never expected to get everything back from 2003, but no raise for another two years, sorry, that is just too much. As far as I am concerned they can keep the 3 vacation days they are offering and the 1 sick day, just give us a raise. We all need money more then we need that stuff. As much as I want everything back, I'd settle for just a decent raise right now.
And if AA keeps griping to us about the cost of fuel, I'm gonna lose it, like we don't know how much fuel costs.
RAISE THE TICKET PRICES!!!! Even SW is beginning to struggle, reporting their lowest profit since 2004. The airlines and employees can't keep subsidizing cheap fares!!!!

[peter diaz]

when the md 80,s were grounded, they asked arpey if american had interruption insurance. he didn,t know the anser right off the batt or did he reluctently not respond to the question. just like the bad weather on march 18th when american panicked when a little drizzle fell on dfw. face it if the sun shines to hard they will cancel. if the moon is to bright they will cancel. if lighting strikes in houston they will shut dfe down. what a joke . if the tower hates a crewchief on a gate they will get slammed on that gate. but thats ok we will just keep our passengers playing mucical gates at the towers expense, not to mention bags being put on wrong gates. fire every one in the tower is my solution and reenvent it with people who know from the front lines how to run it. we have the expierience and the know how. hey i,m a colledge kid , and puff the magic dragon now i work in the tower at aa and have 2 minutes of know how and know how to do it. reminds me of the jackass jimmie carter the peanut man who destroyed the airline industry by deregulating it.

[Local 513 member]

One of my co-workers just got his SS statement and they made as much last year as they did in 1997......only difference is they worked ALOT more hours for the 2007 pay! Hey our fuel prices have gone up to........Share the Gain or AA's gonna feel the PAIN!

[rats]

Go ahead... make AA "feel the Pain". Do you honestly think you are going to do anything but hurt yourself and your family in the end? Remember... no AA.. no job. Do you think there are opportunities at other airlines for whiny employees?

[Mid night oil burner]

Nothing this company has is gonna be voted in.It will end in federal mediation for sure.A long dragged out fight,hurting the airline even more.Job action's poping up every were.Morale the lowest I have seen in 23 years I have been here.What a joke,if their was anything I would tell Arpey is leave and take your money,their's a job for you down in Austin your buddy Carty just left.