American nixes arbitration with labor unions

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/16/3815778/american-airlines-does-not-want.html

By Bob Cox

rcox@star-telegram.com

American Airlines has told the National Mediation Board that it does not want to enter into arbitration with the labor unions representing pilots, flight attendants and ground crews.

In a letter sent to the board Friday, Fort Worth-based American said it should be allowed to work within the bankruptcy rules to reach new contract agreements with the unions or have the U.S. bankruptcy court impose new terms.

All three unions sent letters to the mediation board March 8 asking it to intervene in the process and saying they would be willing to accept binding arbitration.

The letter from Jeff Brundage, American's senior vice president for human resources, said there is no legal or historical precedent for the mediation board to get involved in the negotiations.

FULL story at link.