2013/2/14 - Unions Representing 60,000 Airline Employees Unite in Their Strong Support of Merger between American Airlines and US Airways

Laura Glading, APFA President said:“It’s been a long, tough road but the result is well worth it. Today’s announcement proves that everyone benefits when labor has a seat at the table. The new American will provide job security and fair compensation for all employees and another great option for the flying public. Flight attendants are eager to help build a strong and competitive airline and restore American’s prominence.”

Deborah Volpe and Roger Holmin, Presidents of the Association of Flight Attendants - CWA at US Airways said: "Flight Attendants are ready to participate in the benefits that will be generated by the strong network combination of American Airlines and US Airways. We are proud to be a part of the frontline that makes our airline a success and we look forward to the new opportunities we will generate by working alongside our counterparts at American."

Keith Wilson, President of the Allied Pilots Association at American Airlines said: “We are excited with today’s announcement, which we believe is the right path forward for American Airlines and its employees. This combination paves the way for a new, more competitive American Airlines and a brighter future for the dedicated employees of the combined company. We recognized the value of merging at the very beginning, and worked for the past year to help bring this deal to fruition. Employees of the new American Airlines will enjoy competitive compensation and benefits, and will be part of a stronger airline which will create greater opportunities over the long term.”

Captain Gary Hummel, President, USAPA, said, "This merger came about due to the cooperative efforts of both management and labor. As pilots, we are proud to be a part of the New American Airlines and look forward to working with our colleagues at the Allied Pilots Association, building our new company into a financially strong, premier global carrier."

James C. Little, International President, TWU, said, “Our members have made major sacrifices over the past year. We are pleased that today American Airlines and US Airways have reached a positive step toward building a stronger, more secure and more competitive airline. This should benefit both travelers and workers. Much more work needs to take place before all of the parts that will make up a New American Airlines are assembled, but the airline we're building should be better than the old American and US Airways.”

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 16,000 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.

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, including 649 pilots not yet offered recall from furlough. The furloughs began shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Also, 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.

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 at US Airways. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

TWU Contact:
Jamie Horwitz: 202-549-4921
APA Contact:
Scott Shankland: 817-302-2269/817-690-5078
David Dominy: 817-302-2269/817-307-5301
USAPA Contact:
James Ray: 980-875-7642
APFA Contact:
Leslie Mayo: 858-859-2732
Anthony DeMaio: 202-292-3355
AFA Contact:
Corey Caldwell: 202-434-0586