American Airlines seeks to eliminate $ 1,200 million in union spending

4,600 riders a total of 10,000 comprising Pilots Association, voted against while 2,935 pilots voted in favor of the tentative contract, which represented the last best offer for American pilots after years of fruitless talks.

The pilots could face more stringent conditions if the judge overseeing the bankruptcy of American now allows the operator to leave his current contract with the pilots union.

According to the publication of americaeconomia.com American Airlines spokesman, Bruce Hicks, said in a statement that «We are disappointed with the outcome of today’s vote, since the ratification of the tentative agreement of the pilots had been an important step forward in our restructuring. »

«However, we respect the rights of drivers to express their opinions in the voting process. Now we await an opinion from Judge Sean Lane will allow the company to implement the changes necessary to move forward with our restructuring, «said Hicks.

The resolving labor issues would allow American focusing on its planned exit from bankruptcy and if you do alone or as part of a merger.

Also Wednesday, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) said two of its fractions representing mechanics and employees of American Airlines approved contractual agreements that reduce the concessions requested by AMR.

Workers in mechanics and related categories approved their agreement in a vote of 50.25% to 49.75%, said the TWU.

American Airlines seeks more than U.S. $ 1,200 million in cost cuts expenses related to labor, a key factor in their decision to seek protection from creditors under Chapter 11 in November.