The contrast in perspective over at the TWU is interesting:
TWU mechanics contract passed by only 48 votesStar-Telegram
It was definitely a squeaker.
According to vote totals posted to Transport Workers Union Local 565's website, the mechanics contract at American Airlines passed by only 48 votes.
The vote results were 4,776 in favor and 4,728 against. The store clerks vote passed by a wide margin with 858 voting in favor and 229 voting against.
The Dallas/Fort Worth mechanics base voted 85 percent against the contract while its stores group voted 91 percent in favor, TWU local 565 said.
TWU International representative Don Videtich said this was a difficult decision for the union members.
"We wouldn't have been surprised if it would have passed by more or if it would have lost by more," Videtich said in an interview on Wednesday.
Videtich said the mechanics contract includes 15 percent pay raises over the term of the deal and lowers the employee cost portions of health insurance as well as improves the 401(k) plan.
And while the deal is still concessionary, it was a better alternative than possibly having the bankruptcy judge throw out the mechanics existing contract. Bankruptcy judge Sean Lane is expected to rule on American's union contracts on August 15.
"What would have been worse is if we go to the judge and the judge abrogates the agreement and the company imposes other terms," Videtich said. "It's something that would have been worse that what we are dealing with."