Bankruptcy Filing by American Airlines and American Eagle
December 3, 2011
Statement by President James C. Little (TWU-USA) on Bankruptcy Filing by American and American Eagle:
We are very disappointed by today’s action by AMR. The Transport Workers Union will do everything possible to protect our members at both American Airlines and American Eagle. Work at both airlines will continue through the Chapter 11 reorganization.
Our union had tried to work with AMR managers to make the company more cost competitive and more efficient. In the past month we had reached tentative agreements for both flight dispatchers and fleet service workers. Fleet service is American’s largest bargaining unit. Other TWU units at both American and Eagle had previously inked agreements. Our aircraft mechanics and maintenance workers, represented by TWU, have saved the company several hundred million dollars over the past decade through boosted productivity and by bringing in work from other airlines.
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Special Update (APFA) – Tuesday November 29, 2011
This morning AMR Corporation and all its related corporate entities filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. This filing does not take us by complete surprise. Given the company’s deteriorating performance over the last several years, coupled with the precipitous decline in its market capitalization and the troubled world economy, it always seemed to the APFA that the question was not whether the company would file for bankruptcy protection, but when.
Because we have anticipated this event, we are prepared for it and will take all steps necessary to protect the interests of the Flight Attendants. We know – and we are certain that the company knows – that its Flight Attendants are the company’s face to the public. We are confident that in this reorganization the company will work closely with the APFA, as well as the representatives of its other employees, to ensure that a reorganized American regains its position as the premier US carrier.
We’ll have more information for you as it becomes available.
In Unity, Laura Glading (APFA-USA)
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Flight Attendant Union Prepared To Protect American Eagle Flight Attendants Through Airline Bankruptcy (AFA-CWA)
Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International President Veda Shook issued the following statement today after AMR, the parent company of American Eagle and American Airlines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization:
“As details emerge regarding the restructuring of American Eagle and American Airlines, AFA is prepared to represent the best interests of the American Eagle Flight Attendants. The AFA leadership at American Eagle is fully engaged in responding to the bankruptcy filing and, along with our financial and legal advisors, will monitor developments closely. We also are committed to working closely with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, coordinating efforts as we protect our Flight Attendant careers.