American Airlines: Let's talk. Pilots: Put it in writing.
Although American officials say they want to resume contract talks, its pilots are taking a wait-and-see approach. Bankruptcy has allowed American to change pilots' pay and work rules, but since then more of its flights have been canceled.
Over 200 American Airline pilots marched on a picket line at O'Hare International Airport last Thursday. The airline wants to resume contract talks, but pilots are leery after American changed their pay and work rules.
M. Spencer Green/AP/File
DALLAS
American Airlines officials say they want to resume contract negotiations with pilots, but the union wants a written invitation.
The Allied Pilots Association said late Sunday night that it hasn't met with management, no talks are scheduled, and no deal is imminent.
With permission from a federal bankruptcy judge, American set new pay and work rules for pilots this month. Since then, American has seen more canceled and delayed flights. It blames pilots for filing last-minute maintenance requests and calling in sick.
The union says maintenance requests cover safety issues and sick days are running close to normal.
A company spokesman said last week that American was ready to resume negotiations. The union says it needs the request in writing to "establish a protocol" for talks.