And USAPA's response:
(sounds like someone has been left in the dark)
Fellow Pilots,
This morning the Allied Pilots Association, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, and the Transport Workers issued the following joint statement:
On behalf of nearly 55,000 American Airlines employees, including the 26,000 member Transport Workers Union (TWU), the 17,000 member Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the 10,000 member Allied Pilots Association (APA), we are pleased to confirm our support of a possible merger between our airline and US Airways. We have reached agreements on term sheets for collective bargaining agreements that would govern the American Airlines employees of the merged airline with US Airways.
This significant step represents our shared recognition that a merger between American Airlines and US Airways is the best strategy -- and fastest option -- to complete the restructuring of American Airlines, which will allow it to exit the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and restore American Airlines to a preeminent position in the airline industry.
As envisioned, a merger of US Airways and American Airlines provides the best path for all constituencies, including employees of both American Airlines and US Airways. The contemplated merger would be based on growth, preserve at least 6,200 American Airlines jobs that would be furloughed under the Company's standalone strategy, and provide employees of both American and US Airways with competitive, industry-standard compensation and benefits. The contemplated merger would also offer improved job security with a commitment to no furloughs for any currently active pilots or flight attendants. Over the long term, the combined new airline would support greater job security and advancement opportunities for both American Airlines' and US Airways' employees that are far superior to those available to employees at either airline on a standalone basis. Importantly, by avoiding a lengthy and contentious 1113 process, the new carrier would be able to emerge from bankruptcy more quickly.
A merger would create a foundation to establish American Airlines as a vigorous competitor of the two larger network carriers and the industry at large. Customers of both airlines and air travelers in general will benefit greatly from a viable third network carrier and significantly enhanced travel choices.
In preparation for this much expected event, we have recently added committee members to the Merger Committee who are making the necessary preparations and analysis. In addition, we have made preliminary inquiries with several attorneys, including the Teamsters, as we explore a replacement for our professional negotiator.
Pursuant to discussions with Allied Pilots Association President David Bates, an invitation has been extended to have his Negotiating Chairman participate in an informational conference call with our BPR on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Rest assured that your BPR and Officers will be keeping you informed as developments occur.
Respectfully,
Gary Hummel - President Rob Streble - Secretary-Treasurer