American Airlines has introduced a new element to contract talks with pilots by promising payments in return for a speeded-up bargaining process that would include arbitration. The airline says it expects to pay a premium over both the United Airlines and Delta Air Lines deals with the Air Line Pilots Association, and would give raises of 15% to 22% starting on 31 August if the union representing its pilots, the Allied Pilots Association, accepts a 120-day timetable later this year followed by arbitration to settle other issues. Agreeing that bargaining should be faster, the pilot union said issues such as fatigue and crew rest would be as important as pay.
Source: Flight International
