Will They Attempt to Lowball Us Again?

Fellow APA Pilots,

It is dead obvious that with the announcement of the United Agreement in Principle, our existing Tentative Agreement is woefully deficient by comparison and in need of significant improvements. As your APA National Officers and Board of Directors stated emphatically in our joint message on Sunday evening, the bargaining landscape has changed, and management must respond accordingly.

Today, I spoke with American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and met with Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Steve Johnson to determine whether management shares our commitment to doing what’s required to produce a TA that truly matches our industry competitors — a TA worthy of consideration by our members. I was accompanied by members of the Negotiating and Economic & Financial Analysis committees and two of our attorneys. Mr. Isom and Mr. Johnson both acknowledged that significant improvements must be made, with Mr. Isom reiterating his assertion that management “will take care of our pilots.” Our respective bargaining teams have committed to working around the clock beginning tonight for the next few days to address crucial improvements to the TA.

Is management serious about doing what’s required? Do they understand the need for a genuinely competitive pilot contract? Will they attempt to lowball us again with yet another subpar offer? Time will tell, and it won’t take long.

In the meantime, I ask that you continue to stay informed and engaged. I know you are frustrated and short on patience after four-plus years in Section 6 negotiations — but the fight isn’t over yet by any stretch.

Thank you for your support.

In Unity,

CA Ed Sicher
President