Joint Union Statement: Make Merger Decision Without Delay

August 23, 2013

We urge the U.S. District Court and the Department of Justice to begin the trial on November 12, 2013 in order to get to a speedy resolution to this exciting merger.

Our message to consumers everywhere is simple: “Let us compete for your business” starting as soon as possible.

Our members want a fair shot at competing in the marketplace. The airlines we work for, US Airways and American Airlines, can together succeed in a way that neither airline can alone, bringing new competition to the domestic and international airlines that serve Americans. The improved network and higher quality product will attract new customers, allowing the airlines to compete with the megacarriers in a way neither airline can do alone, creating greater job security for our members as a result.

Delaying a trial puts our families and our customers at further risk. For American and its employees, the uncertainty of the last two years in bankruptcy has already exacted a heavy toll. Employees at US Airways have had similar hardships with two bankruptcies since 9-11. In order to make new American competitive, that uncertainly should be ended as soon as possible.

The livelihoods of hard-working aviation professionals at American and US Airways hang in the balance. Jobs are at stake if this merger does not go through. For our members, job security that comes with truly competitive airlines is on hold as we wait for trial.

Our members have borne the brunt of the severe turbulence in the aviation industry. Justice delayed is justice denied for our members. This merger makes sense for competition, customers, and the members we represent who want nothing more than to compete aggressively on a level playing field to serve those customers.

Allied Pilots Association (APA)

Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association–the largest independent pilot union in the United States–is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 10,000 pilots of American Airlines. Several hundred American Airlines pilots are on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s Web site address is www.alliedpilots.org.

US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA)

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) represents the more than 5,000 mainline pilots who fly for US Airways. USAPA’s mission is to ensure safe flights for airline passengers by guaranteeing that their lives are in the hands of only the most qualified, competent and well-equipped pilots.

Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA)

Founded in 1977, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is the largest independent Flight Attendant union in the nation. It represents the 17,000 Flight Attendants at American Airlines. APFA Members live in almost every state of the nation and serve millions of Americans as they travel the nation and the world. Laura Glading is serving in her second four-year term as president of the union. For more information visit apfa.org.

Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO (AFA)

The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO.

Transport Workers Union, AFL-CIO (TWU)

The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. Included in the union’s membership are 26,000 workers at American Airlines. TWU represents seven work groups at American Airlines including Fleet Service, Aviation Maintenance Technicians (aircraft mechanics), Stock Clerks, Dispatchers, Ground School Instructors, Flight Simulator Technicians and Facility Maintenance Mechanics, TWU also represents Dispatchers, Flight Crew Training Instructors and Simulator Engineers at US Airways. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

Communications Workers of America (CWA)

CWA, the largest telecommunications union in the world, represents over 700,000 men and women in both private and public sectors, including over half a million workers who are building the Information Highway. CWA members work in telecommunications, broadcasting, cable TV, journalism, publishing, manufacturing, airlines, customer service, government service, health care, education and other fields.