APA INFORMATION HOTLINE
This is APA President Captain Dave Bates with the APA Information Hotline for Wednesday, Feb. 1.
AMR MANAGEMENT PRESENTS SECTION 1113(c) PROPOSALS: This afternoon, management presented the Allied Pilots Association with their
proposed changes to our collective bargaining agreement (CBA). I am sure that all of you, like me, will be dismayed when you see the wholesale changes management has proposed making to our working conditions, job security and benefits. A few of the most notable items include:
- Termination of our defined-benefit pension plan.
- Sweeping changes to our Scope agreement which would allow hundreds of larger regional jets to be operated at commuter affiliates, as well as the ability to outsource AA pilot jobs through domestic code-sharing agreements with other domestic and international airlines.
- Widespread changes to duty rigs, sick leave and medical contributions.
Management also announced that there may be as many as 14,000 employee layoffs company-wide, including up to 400 pilots. While we are relieved that management has not proposed reductions to our base pay rates, a significant percentage of our pilots could face hourly pay cuts with the elimination of night and international pay.
With the assistance of our legal and financial advisers—who also attended today’s briefings—the APA leadership has already begun conducting a thorough analysis of the term sheet as part of our preparations for the resumption of negotiations. The APA Board of Directors has been in caucus today and is likewise participating in our analysis of the term sheet.
In a related development, the National Mediation Board (NMB) has informed APA that it is planning to re-engage in our negotiations, so we will no longer be in recess status.
As a further reminder, the status quo provisions of the Railway Labor Act remain in effect. Please continue your resolute focus on the safe and efficient operation of the airline and we will remain similarly focused at the bargaining table on ensuring that you are treated fairly and appropriately.
In closing, I want to emphasize that management’s proposal marks the starting point for restructuring negotiations. APA will be resolute in representing your interests to the utmost of our ability throughout the difficult process that lies ahead.
Thank you for checking this hotline. We will continue providing you with regular updates as developments warrant.