The Allied Pilots Association (APA) has announced that its membership has voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike.[0] The APA serves as the collective bargaining agent for 15,000 American Airlines pilots, and the vote comes as they try to reach a new contract ahead of the summer travel season. The airline and the union have been trying to negotiate a contract since January 2019, and the APA is calling for an industry-leading contract that will position American Airlines for success.
Captain Ed Sicher, the APA President, stated, “We will strike if necessary to secure the industry-leading contract that our pilots have earned and deserve – a contract that will position American Airlines for success.” He added, “With more than 99 percent of participating pilots voting in favor of authorizing a strike, our pilots’ resolve is unmistakable.[1] We will not be deterred from our goal of an industry-leading contract.”
The strike authorization vote is one of several steps APA has taken to prepare for any eventuality and use all legal avenues available for contract improvement and resolution.[1] Captain Sicher said, “APA remains committed to negotiating in good faith with American Airlines management to secure the industry-leading contract that our pilots have rightfully earned. At the same time, we must prepare for any eventuality and use all legal avenues available to us for contract resolution and improvement.”
The strike authorization voting began on April 1 and ended on Sunday night.[2] With more than 96 percent of APA membership participating, more than 99 percent voted in favor of authorizing a strike.[3] American Airlines said in a statement that they remain confident that an agreement is within reach and can be finalized quickly.[0] The airline added, “We remain focused on completing the handful of matters necessary to reach an agreement our pilots deserve.”
Captain Ed Sicher emphasized the importance of the summer travel season, saying, “The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines.[1] Fortunately, there is an alternative.[1] By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.”
The APA is calling for an industry-leading contract that will benefit the pilots, American Airlines, and the passengers they serve. Captain Sicher stated, “The best outcome is for APA and management to agree on an industry-leading contract – achieved through good-faith bargaining – benefiting our pilots, American Airlines, and the passengers we serve.” While the strike authorization vote has been taken as a serious message, both sides are hopeful for a quick resolution that will benefit everyone involved.
0. “American Airlines Pilots Vote To Authorize Strike” HuffPost, 1 May. 2023, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/american-airlines-pilots-strike-authorization_n_644fb7f6e4b0d840388fc431
1. “Pilots for DFW Based Airlines Consider Next Move” WBAP News/Talk, 1 May. 2023, https://www.wbap.com/2023/05/01/pilots-for-dfw-based-airlines-consider-next-move/
2. “LISTEN: American Airlines Pilots say they are “Ready to Strike”” WBAP News/Talk, 29 Apr. 2023, https://www.wbap.com/2023/04/29/american-airlines-pilots-say-they-are-ready-to-strike/
3. “Impending authorization vote from American Airlines’ Pilot Association could cause pilot strike at American Airlines” WPVI-TV, 1 May. 2023, https://6abc.com/american-airlines-airlines-pilot-association-strike-authorization-vote/13199616