Workers to get better salaries with US carrier merger

Employees of US Airways and American Airlines are expected to get improved salaries and wages when the merger between the two US carriers is completed later this year. “Each carrier’s employees will receive reciprocal travel privileges as quickly as possible. The merger will also provide the path to improved compensation and benefits for employees,” the AMR Corporation, parent company of American Airlines, said in a statement.

The two airlines announced on Thursday that their boards of directors approved “a definitive merger” agreement. It comes after the AMR Corporation filed for bankruptcy protection more than a year ago. The AMR Corporation said the collective agreement for its employess will be improved as the merger takes effect.

“The unions representing American Airlines pilots, flight attendants and ground employees, as well as the union representing US Airways pilots have agreed to terms for improved collective bargaining agreements effective upon the closing of the merger.” Regarding a collective agreement for US Airways flight attendants the company said: “The union representing US Airways flight attendants has reached a tentative agreement that includes support for the merger. 

The American Airlines unions representing pilots and flight attendants are working with their US Airways counterparts to determine representation and single agreement protocols.”