Following successful negotiations, American Airlines pilots have ratified an improved labour agreement, positioning the carrier as the second major U.S. airline to successfully conclude a revised contract with its highest-compensated employee group.
The agreement translates into immediate salary increases of 21% for over 15,000 pilots at American Airlines, with total compensation rising by more than 46% over the duration of the four-year contract, encompassing 401(k) contributions, as announced by their union on Monday.
A previous agreement between American Airlines and the union fell through when United Airlines and its respective union reached a more lucrative preliminary deal. However, American Airlines bolstered its proposal the previous month. The newly presented contract received resounding support, with over 72% of American's pilots voting in favour and an impressive 95% turnout, as reported by the Allied Pilots Association. Notably, the accord introduces enhancements to scheduling and benefits as well.
Amidst a shortage of aviators stemming from the impact of the COVID pandemic, pilots have advocated for improved compensation and working regulations from the airlines.
American Airlines' CEO, Robert Isom, remarked, “This agreement will promptly enable American to amplify our pilot training capacity, effectively catering to underutilised aircraft and forthcoming flight operations, while also furnishing our pilots with heightened prospects for career advancement.” Isom made this statement in conjunction with the contract approval announcement.
