Calling Out is Hurting Travelers and American Airlines

“(MoneyWatch) Labor strife between American Airlines and its pilots is grounding flights and angering passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays.

The bankrupt carrier says it has had to cancel hundreds of flights because of an increase in the number of pilots calling in sick. The pilots, angry over a contract imposed on them cutting their pay and benefits, also appear to be causing problems when they do show up. In the last month, four times as many flights as usual have been cancelled for maintenance issues resulting from last-minute plane inspections ordered by pilots.

In a report earlier this week, Ray Neidl, an analyst with Maxim Group, wrote that the pilots were the most important labor group at American, and that a deal with them was crucial.”

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