Smaller American work groups ratify new labor contracts

While most of American Airlines’ (AA) workers are pledged to supporting a merger with US Airways, a number of the company’s smaller workgroups have ratified new collective bargaining agreements.

The accords will preserve about 1,300 jobs, said AA, which is operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The groups include fleet service workers, dispatch personnel, maintenance control technicians, simulator technicians and ground school and simulator pilot instructors. All of the groups are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU). AA’s aircraft mechanics, also represented by TWA, declined to accept a consensual agreement.

“Today’s ratification announcement demonstrates American’s willingness to address the TWU’s interests and the union's willingness to negotiate new contracts that achieve the cost savings needed for our successful restructuring,” AA said.

Article Source : ATW Daily News