American Airlines’ Pilots Looking to Overhaul Deal After United Unveils Contract

The union representing American Airlines’ pilots said the tentative agreement on a new contract is in jeopardy after the recent deal between United Airlines and its pilots exposed a stark difference in the details.

According to Reuters.com, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) said the 42 percent pay increase and improved benefits the pilots were expected to approve pales compared to the deal announced by United and its pilots.

American’s pilots were expected to vote on the four-year contract proposal next week, but APA officials are asking the airline to “further improve the contract to meet the new industry standards” before pilots will agree to ratify the deal.

A spokesperson for American said the carrier is working with the APA and will look to “make sure its pilots are taken care of” during the negotiation process.

APA spokesman for American, Dennis Tajer, said the tentative agreement between United and its pilots would create a two percent pay gap with American, with back pay provisions, days off for junior pilots and sick time also favoring United.

Tajer also said the “reality of the marketplace has changed” and the previous tentative deal “will not encourage new pilots to come to American.”

Earlier this week, United announced it had reached a labor agreement with its pilots, which includes a cumulative 34.5-40.2 percent increase in pay raises throughout the new four-year contract.

The ALPA, representing about 14,000 United pilots, said it reached a deal in principle with United management that “includes substantial improvements to compensation, as well as advancements in quality of life, vacation and other benefits.”

In March, Delta Air Lines became the first major carrier in the U.S. to overhaul pilot contracts, with 78 percent of Delta pilots voting in favor of a four-year contract that includes a 34 percent raise.