A union leader says the value of the pilots' share of a post-bankruptcy American Airlines should rise if the company merges with US Airways.
David Bates with the Allied Pilots Association made the comment to members Thursday after the union's board approved a tentative 6-year agreement with American.
The deal would cut Fort Worth-based American's spending on pilots by 17 percent. The agreement would also provide more flexibility to outsource some of the flying to other airlines.
But the union, which supports a potential bid for American by US Airways Group Inc., also would get pay raises, no layoffs, and a 13.5 percent equity stake in the "new" American.
Pilots are expected to start voting in July with the ballots counted Aug. 8.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
