Report: American Airlines Pilot Deal in Jeopardy

A deal between American Airlines and the union that represents its pilot is reportedly in jeopardy after the latest deal between United Airlines and its pilots' union raised the bar for the deal.

According to a report in Reuters, the proposed deal between American and the Allied Pilots Association (APA) “pales in comparison” with the preliminary deal between United and its pilots union that was agreed to this past weekend. The United deal increased pilots’ wages by up to 40% over the course of four years and offer benefit enhancements and improvements to quality of life.

According to Reuters, United’s deal would lead to “at least a 2% pay gap” between the two groups of pilots, even though United’s deal does allow for more days off for junior pilots and more sick time than American’s.

In a statement this week, APA president Ed Sicher said that “Our respective bargaining teams have committed to working around the clock beginning tonight for the next few days to address crucial improvements to the [tentative agreement].”

The APA has asked American to improve their preliminary contract to meet “new industry standards.” American Airlines, for its part, says it will continue to work with the APA to get a deal done and “will take care of our pilots.” 

American pilots had been set to vote next week on the new four-year deal.