American Eagle flight attendants oppose proposed airline merger
Every employee union involved in the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways has endorsed the marriage that would create the nation’s largest carrier.
Well, almost every labor group.
The flight attendants for American Eagle, the regional carrier owned by AMR Corp., the parent company of American, are the first employee group speaking out against the merger.
The 1,800 flight attendants for the small carrier say they fear their jobs are at risk because of a series of outsourcing plans announced since November.
For example, AMR closed the Los Angeles base for American Eagle last year and outsourced the flying from the region to SkyWest Airlines.
“To date, American Eagle flight attendants have not been shown how our contributions will be valued at the new airline,” said Robert Barrow, president of American Eagle flight attendants within the Assn. of Flight Attendants. “This merger may not be good for all workers.”
The merger is on hold, pending a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice, which contends the merger will reduce competition, eliminate services to smaller cities and lead to higher fares.
On Wednesday, employees from American and US Airways, including pilots, mechanics, baggage handlers and flight attendants will take part in a rally in Washington to support the merger. Supporters say the merger will lead to job security and higher salaries in the future.
A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled to begin Nov. 25 at a Washington courtroom.
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