TWU, Eagle May Seek Mediator

Jan 13, 2009
By Adrian Schofield



The Transport Workers union says it has an agreement with American Eagle to seek federal mediation if no contract deal can be worked out by the end of this week.

The two sides are scheduled to meet through Jan. 17 to reach an agreement for the carrier’s ground workers. The union said a joint request for mediation will be made if this “week of intensive contract negotiations” fails to yield a tentative contract deal.

It is “in both our best interests to lock in a fair contract now,” TWU said. The union noted that while Eagle faces challenges from the economy and competition, “many economists are predicting that 2009 will be a great year for airlines with fuel prices down and other costs contained.” The contract for fleet service workers and mechanics became amendable in October, 2007.

Eagle, meanwhile, would not confirm that it has agreed to jointly file for mediation, although it did say that it is continuing to meet with TWU this week and is “committed to reaching an agreement that benefits both our employees and the company.” Federal mediation “is certainly a tool that we might use and would consider using at the appropriate time,” an Eagle spokeswoman said.

Photo: Benet Wilson