Following a ballot conducted by the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 15,000 of the airline’s pilots, a majority of American Airlines pilots approved the idea of a potential strike.
Voting on strike authorization started on April 1 and closed on April 30 at midnight (CT).
More than 99% of the APA membership voted in favor of authorizing a strike, with participation exceeding 96%.
The pilots of American Airlines are requesting a new contract as well as changes to the way they are scheduled and treated at work.
Yo! Check out all these union brothers and sisters standing shoulder to shoulder, #readytostrike in the City of Brotherly Love. pic.twitter.com/COotpbRQCM
— Allied Pilots (@AlliedPilots) May 1, 2023
The airline’s CEO, Robert Isom, reportedly told CNBC that his business will equal rival Delta Air Lines, whose pilots earlier this year approved a four-year agreement with 34% raises and other changes.
“The APA membership has spoken. 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,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA president. “With more than 99% of participating pilots voting in favor of authorizing a strike, our pilots’ resolve is unmistakable. We will not be deterred from our goal of an industry-leading contract.”
On May 1, 2023, APA members conducted informational picketing at all 10 of the airline’s major hubs: Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Washington, D.C. (DCA).
