Unions Wrestle With Airline Merger Issues

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/7993

Merger talks are all the rage in the airline industry. But where do the unions representing workers come down. Jesse Russell takes a look:

While the pilots spent Thursday and Friday of last week trying to work out differences over a merger between Northwest and Delta Airlines, the International Association of Mechinists, representing baggage handlers at Northwest, sid it will oppose the two players coming together. In a statement, the IAM said that airline mergers traditionally hurt passengers and workers alike. The pilots at both airlines are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, the sticking point on their end is how sneority lists at the two airlines will be combined. The airline wants to make sure all pilots benefit under the merger agreement. Meanwhile, many of United’s mechanics are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. AMFA Local9 President Joe Prisco recently told the San Mateo County Times that if the airlines try something bad for the employees, “the unions will take the fight to the street.” Local 9 represents workers at a maintenance base in San Francisco that United said could be closed or reduced if there is a merger.