Bush administration welcomes EU trade deal, unions opposed

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/22/america/NA-GEN-US-EU-Aviation-Pact.php

Bush administration welcomes EU trade deal, unions opposed
The Associated Press
Published: March 22, 2007

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration welcomed the European Union's approval Thursday of an aviation deal with the United States that opens up restricted trans-Atlantic routes to new rivals, while labor groups strongly condemned the pact.

The "Open Skies" deal will lift restrictions on trans-Atlantic air travel and open up routes for both sides. It is expected to boost passenger numbers and drive down fares.

"By expanding the ability of airlines to fly between Europe and the United States, this agreement will spur growth within our aviation network and enhance the freedom of American fliers to choose where and when they travel," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters.

Labor leaders said the deal would harm U.S. workers and promised to oppose its implementation.

"The Bush Administration has apparently committed to allowing greater foreign ownership of U.S. airlines," a number of labor groups said in a joint statement. "We oppose this tentative agreement and will mobilize our members to speak out against it to their members of Congress."