American Airlines Pilots Vote To Launch Strike

A union representing American Airlines Group Inc. pilots said on Monday, May 1, 2023, its members had approved a strike mandate ahead of the busy summer travel season, although the chances of an actual labor disruption remain slim, Allison Lampert reported for Reuters.

Photo Insert: The airline's pilots received their last pay increase in 2019.

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 15,000 American Airlines pilots, held a strike authorization vote in April to put pressure on the Texas-based carrier for higher salary and better working conditions, even as the two sides closed in on an agreement in principle.

More than 96% of the APA membership participated in the vote and over 99% voted in favor of authorizing a strike, the union said in a statement. "We remain confident that an agreement for our pilots is within reach and can be finalized quickly. The finish line is in sight," American Airlines said in a statement.

The airline's pilots received their last pay increase in 2019. Despite the vote, it would be hard for pilots to walk off their jobs because of a complex labor process in the US that makes it difficult for airline workers to strike.

In March, Delta Air Lines pilots ratified a new contract that includes $7 billion in cumulative increases in pay and benefits over four years. American's chief executive has said the carrier is prepared to match the pay rates and profit-sharing formula that rival Delta provided in its new contract.

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