The union for American Airlines pilots rejected the company’s contract proposal that would have given nearly 20% in raises over the next two years, the latest pushback from labor in the airline industry.
The board of directors of the Allied Pilots Association rejected the contract proposal on a 15-5 vote, days after Delta and United pilots turned down contract offers from those carriers.
The Allied Pilots Association did not share more information about why the deal was rejected.
The deal is a blow to the hopes for a near-term resolution to the contract turmoil at American Airlines as the industry faces a shortage of pilots that is causing cutbacks at the regional level.
American Airlines reached a tentative agreement with pilots in late October, a deal that needed the approval of the leadership of the Allied Pilots Association and then the general membership. That tentative deal promised 12% pay raises on the date of approval followed by a 5% raise in one year and 2% in two years.
The Allied Pilots Association represents all 15,000 pilots that fly for American Airlines.
While the contract gave raises that totaled just under 20% over two years, the pilots union was pushing for changes to scheduling to address “quality-of-life” issues. The union has complained that higher delay and cancellation rates have made life tough on pilots because those operational disruptions mean changes to the schedules for pilots and flight attendants, often extending a two-or-three day trip for an extra day or two.
The union wants fewer pilots put on reserve, or on call, to allow those same pilots to pick up extra flights during periods of more delays and cancellations.
The rejected contract came after the union representing Delta Air Line and United Airlines rejected their contract proposals and planned further action to escalate contract talks. Delta’s pilots authorized a strike and United pilots planned pickets across the country. Delta pilots would need federal approval before being allowed to strike.
Pilots at Southwest, Delta and United are also in contract talks, and leaders at all four major network airlines have said they are watching discussions at other companies closely, often pledging to match offers.
American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
