The Allied Pilots Association (APA) planned a two-hour
informational picket in Washington, DC Wednesday to protest
proposed anti-trust immunity in a possible deal between American
Airlines and British Airways.
The picket was slated for the U.S. Department of Transportation,
which is expected to vote later this month on an anti-trust waiver
sought by American and BA. It is the third time the two airlines
have asked for such a waiver. The union says the proposed alliance
between the two airlines would mean fewer jobs, and has strongly
urged the DOT to not grant anti-trust immunity for the deal.
In a statement announcing the picket, the APA said "Antitrust
immunity is inherently anti-competitive, harming consumer
interests. (It) is also anti-worker. Job outsourcing is a
by-product of alliances. American Airlines management has refused
to provide even industry-standard job protections for the pilots
and other employees as part of its plans. The European
Commission (EC) announced earlier this month that American
Airlines’ plans may violate rules governing restrictive
business practices. The EC is investigating the oneworld Alliance
and the Star Alliance for possible illegal conduct. If permitted to
expand their scope, immunized airline alliances may lead to
increased foreign control of U.S. airline operations, including
maintenance practices and crew training. Antitrust immunity has
implications for national security. U.S. carriers must remain ready
to be deployed as needed for Civil Reserve Air Fleet duty. That
readiness could be compromised by the type of virtual merger with
foreign carriers that American Airlines is seeking."
The Fort-Worth Star Telegram reported that American reiterated a
statement from last week indicating that it was still hopeful the
alliance would be allowed to go forward, and expressed
disappointment in the Union's opposition to the agreement.
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