Unions Unite Around The Bargaining Table At American Airlines

[Omaha Steve]

American Airlines is facing new pressure in contract negotiations by united worker unions. Jesse Russell reports:

On Friday pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants for American Airlines, represented by separate unions, vowed to work together as the push for a faster pace in contract negotiations. The workers are seeking a restoration of wage and benefit concessions giving up in 2003 as the unions worked with the airline to prevent bankruptcy. The unions are also upset with $300 million in bonuses paid out to management over the last two years. The concessions made in 2003 included wage cuts of up to 25 percent and a reduction in vacation time. The workers are represented by the Transport Workers Union, the Allied Pilots Association, and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. Combined the three unions represent more than 50,000 employees.