Pilots union rips immunity for American Airlines

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i_zl3F-pgBy_zdHJtkQe-cVFYwowD9B7RDJO1

(AP) – 1 day ago

FORT WORTH, Texas — The pilots' union at American Airlines said Friday it opposed antitrust immunity for the carrier's proposed joint venture with British Airways and Iberia.

The Allied Pilots Association cited objections to the deal raised by European regulators, and said American refused to address job-security concerns.

Pilots fear that in joint ventures with other airlines, their own company could shift flying jobs to cheaper partners. The pilots' union has raised concerns about American's deal with BA and Iberia for nearly a year.

Union President Lloyd Hill said Friday that American's management "has refused to provide industry-standard job protections for our pilots, despite APA's concerted efforts."

FULL story at link.

[clear eye]

1. AA wouldn't have to pay health insurance for British or Spanish pilots

so w/o giving the European pilots a lower salary, switching would cost them less. That's b/c the UK and Spain cover all their citizens w/ single payer.