Transport Workers Union and American Eagle to Launch Week of Intensive Contract

FT. WORTH – Negotiators for the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and American Eagle will meet at Flagship University in Ft. Worth today to try to hammer out an agreement for the airline’s 3,550 ground workers employed in 18 U.S. cities.

The two sides have scheduled talks through January 17. If no contract is reached by the end of the week, both the union and company have agreed in advance to seek federal mediation.

"We are very serious about getting a tentative agreement," says TWU’s Air Transport Division Director John Conley. "Union negotiators are well aware of the competitive realities that Eagle faces as well as the general state of the economy. We also know that many economists are predicting that 2009 will be a great year for airlines with fuel prices down and other costs contained. It’s in both of our best interests to lock in a fair contract now."

The contracts for Eagle’s Fleet Service and Aircraft Mechanics and Related employees became amendable in October of 2007. Ground School Instructors and Dispatchers are currently in federal mediation. Key issues relate to compensation, benefits and the duration of the contract.

The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.