American Airlines Demands Mechanics' Unions Pay for ‘enormous Financial Losses' From Flight Delays, Cancellations

Fresh off a federal court victory, American Airlines is demanding that mechanics and their unions pay for hundreds of flight delays and cancellations over the last two months.In a new court filing Tuesday, the Fort Worth-based carrier said it wants sanctions "sufficient to compensate American for losses caused" from violations to a June 14 restraining order telling mechanics to cease work slowdowns to punish the company.It could result in millions of dollars in fines if a U.S. District Court judge decides to hold in contempt of court the 30,000 members of the Transport Workers Union and International Association of Machinists at American Airlines.American Airlines is asking for unspecified damages to be determined at a future court hearing. On Monday, Judge John McBryde issued a ruling that sided with American Airlines in its ongoing battle with the mechanics. He said union maintenance workers conspired to slow down work by refusing overtime, taking more time on jobs and refusing off-site assignments. The unions have denied they slowed down work.  Continue reading...