PilotAction American Airlines and US Airways News Update

[USA320Pilot]

PilotAction Merger News for US Airways & American Airlines: August 20, 2013

Airlines Rally as Analysts Defend Sector: AMR Gains 7%, US Airways Rises 2%

See Story: http://blogs.barrons....d=yahoobarrons


Union for American Airlines flight attendants is urging members to contact AGs

See Story: http://aviationblog.....tact-ags.html/


American, city of Fort Worth reach agreement to terminate lease at Alliance maintenance base

See Story: http://blogs.star-te...m.com/sky_talk/


Dallas News APA Ad to Texas AG and Gubernatorial Candidate Greg Abbott

See Story: https://public.allie....=1042&mid=2085


USAPA PHX Domicile Rep Update: August 20, 2013

The Phoenix Representatives wish to provide you with avenues to voice your support for the merger. Please encourage support from family and friends, and perhaps have them share with others.

John, Dave, and Roger

https://petitions.wh....rways/hqZ3gs9v

http://www.change.or...=share_petition

https://www.facebook...AttorneyGeneral
http://www.ag.virgin....ntactForm.aspx

https://www.facebook....al/87812031980

https://www.facebook.com/tomhorneaz

http://myfloridalega...ttorney_General
[email protected]

[email protected]

Tennessee Office of the Attorney General and Reporter
P.O. Box 20207
Nashville, TN 37202-0207
Telephone: (615) 741-3491
Fax: (615) 741-2009


APA Update (Bankruptcy Update): August 20, 2013

On Aug. 15, Judge Lane opened the confirmation hearing on the proposed Plan of Reorganization by stating that following the Justice Department's filing of an antitrust lawsuit, he had given consideration to adjourning the hearing to a later date but opted to go forward with it. He then told all parties that because the prehearing filings had been filed before the DOJ suit, he wanted more information in the form of additional written briefings as to whether the DOJ lawsuit impacted the timing of confirmation of the Plan of Reorganization. Judge Lane set a briefing deadline of Aug. 23.

During the course of the hearing, the court appeared favorably disposed toward the Plan of Reorganization. Of the nearly 40 plan objections and pro se letters, all except the U.S. Trustee's objections were resolved or overruled. These included the withdrawal of USAPA's objection and the overruling of the objection by the Supplement B pilots and the AICA objection on behalf of former TWA pilots. The U.S. Trustee's objections to the Chairman Letter Agreement (Mr. Horton's $19.9 million), the payment of certain professional expenses for members of the Unsecured Creditors Committee and expenses of Indenture Trustees were taken under advisement by the court.

Synopsis of the hearing: The company's counsel walked the court though all of the "technical amendments" to the third amended Plan of Reorganization. The principal technical amendment was the company's agreement with the APA to advance the amounts necessary to pay the pilots' withholding taxes due upon receipt of shares. There were no objections to the modifications. Resolving these tax issues will result in significant savings to pilots because it functionally eliminates pressure for individual pilots to sell shares of stock immediately upon receipt in order to cover IRS-mandated withholding. APA took the lead on behalf of all employees, and we are grateful to all who worked so hard to bring this challenging problem to a successful conclusion. This is an important achievement that has the potential to net significant gains for our pilots.

The request for additional briefings is viewed by counsel as a prudent, thoughtful act to assure no procedural conflicts and seems likely to result in confirmation after the Aug. 23 briefing. For now, your APA leadership will be focused on the legal process ahead along with our goal of obtaining antitrust approval for our proposed merger and eventual exit from bankruptcy. As more details become available, we will communicate them to you as quickly as possible.​

 

[Beancounter]

As always, thanks for the info. I wish our union was as active and informative as the APA.

Bean

 

[USA320Pilot]

PilotAction Merger News for US Airways & American Airlines: August 21, 2013

Clear US Air and American Airlines for Takeoff

Blocking the US Airways-American Airlines Merger Hurts Workers and Consumers

But to heck with the opinions of industry CEOs, board members, creditors, shareholders and workers – if there's one thing the Obama administration wants the American public to believe it's that the government knows best. Consumers must trust that the administration understands the complicated and confusing airline industry better than the people who run it every day – even if that trust comes at the expense of free enterprise.

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.usnews.co....-and-consumers


Transport Workers Union is first to file arguments in favor of plan’s confirmation

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://aviationblog.....irmation.html/


Analysts still betting on US Airways-American merger

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://seattletimes.....erseenxml.html


American Airlines has no Plan B, will take antitrust fight to court

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]DALLAS (Dallas News) - American Airlines general counsel Gary Kennedy was walking up six flights of stairs at the airline’s Fort Worth headquarters last week when he received an email from Joe Sims, a key outside lawyer helping the company merge with US Airways.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The state and federal governments were suing to stop the merger.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“I uttered some words that I shouldn’t have uttered,” said Kennedy, who has led American Airlines’ corporate legal department for a decade.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Minutes later, he gave the bad news to CEO Tom Horton and other senior leaders. The U.S. Department of Justice, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and five other states had filed a federal antitrust lawsuit to stop the two airlines from combining.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Kennedy, speaking Tuesday for the first time since the government’s suit, said American Airlines has no Plan B and will vigorously fight the antitrust lawsuit. Kennedy does not think a settlement is likely.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“We knew Justice had some issues or views on the transaction, but we were still surprised and disappointed,” he said.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Even more shocking and unsettling, said Kennedy, is Abbott’s role in the litigation.[/background]
[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“I was totally surprised and disappointed with the Texas AG,” he said. “We are a Texas-based company and the new, merged company will be stronger and more influential and still based right here in Texas. I do not understand his position on this at all.”[/background]
[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Kennedy said Abbott and his legal team gave no indication of their opposition to the merger.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“No concerns were voiced in advance,” he said.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Abbott is a Republican candidate for governor.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]‘No contingency plan’[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Ironically, lawyers representing American were preparing to use Abbott in their case against Justice, if necessary. Legal experts close to the litigation said American’s lawyers believed that Texas would support the merger. They would use that as part of the company’s strategic argument.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Kennedy said American has “no contingency plan” if the merger fails.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“We are focusing all of our efforts and energies on winning this lawsuit,” he said. “There’s no Plan B.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“Our bankruptcy exit plan has as its centerpiece this merger,” he said. “If the merger, hypothetically, doesn’t go forward, then we have to go back to the bankruptcy court with a new plan.”[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Kennedy said his legal team has asked the federal judge handling the case, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of Washington, for a scheduling hearing as soon as possible.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“We hope to have this case go to trial before the end of the year,” he said. “The discovery in the case is mostly done, and we don’t see any need for delays.”[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Settlement unlikely[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Despite speculation on Wall Street and in the media that American and the Justice Department could negotiate a resolution, Kennedy and Sims say that a settlement is highly unlikely.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“DOJ has shown no interest in settlement discussions,” said Sims.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Even so, Kennedy quickly adds, “We remain open to negotiating a settlement.”[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]William Baer, the assistant U.S. attorney general over the antitrust division, echoed views by Sims and Kennedy at his news conference last week.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“If anybody wants to come to us to propose a settlement, we’re always prepared to listen,” Baer said. “But our view, looking at the evidence before us, is that the right outcome here is a full-stop injunction.”[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The government’s lawsuit not only puts the merger on hold, but it also extends American’s extraordinarily legal tab for the outside lawyers it is employing for the bankruptcy, merger and now the antitrust battle.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Court records show that American Airlines, since it filed for bankruptcy in November 2011, is spending about $500,000 a day in legal expenses and that the airline’s total legal expenses have been about $150 million.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Kennedy announced in June that he plans to leave American after the company’s merger with US Airways is completed.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]He now says he has made no career plans beyond his time at American.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]“I am fully in the saddle at American and I am looking forward to overseeing this litigation, which we fully expect to win,” he said.[/background]


The big merger: Fluff or fact?

See Story: http://www.chicagotr....1337784.column


Is the AMR-US Air Merger Grounded for Good?

See Story: http://www.bloomberg....LdqAz5jjA.html


Officials in three states fight suit against American Airlines-US Airways merger

See Story: http://finance.yahoo....221057301.html


Miami-Dade mayor: American Airlines merger good for MIA

Mayor Carlos Gimenez held a press conference Wednesday at MIA with Aviation Director Emilio González to urge the U.S. Department of Justice to reconsider its opposition to the merger

See Story: http://www.miamihera....-airlines.html


MIA jobs at risk without airline merger

See Story: http://www.wsvn.com/....irline-merger/


Airline merger entangled in inane antitrust laws

See Story: http://www.azcentral....rust-laws.html


What Are Some Options For US Airways If The Merger Fails?See Story: http://seekingalpha.....s?source=yahoo


The Struggle of American and US Airways: to Merge or Not to Merge

See Story: http://wallstcheatsh....e.html/?ref=YF


USAPA's What's Up on the Line - August 21, 2013

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Q – Judge Silver appears to recommend that the plaintiffs be given class certification. How would that decision affect the McCaskill-Bond merger process?[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]A – As of now, Judge Silver has not ruled on the Plaintiffs’ request for Class Certification. In any event, Class Certification in Addington II would not affect the seniority integration process since the Class Certification would only be effective for the federal court case before Judge Silver and any subsequent appeals in that case. However, in the Amended Complaint ([/background]click here[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]) filed on August 2, 2013, the Addington Plaintiffs are also seeking party status in the seniority integration process. This is a separate issue and will be addressed separately by the Court from Class Certification. USAPA believes that representation in the seniority integration proceeding is part of its function as exclusive bargaining representative, and therefore, no other group has any right to separate representation.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Q – With the Department of Justice filing, and at least a delay in the merger, when will we again ask the NMB to un-park us and immediately call our union and the Company back to the negotiating table?[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]A – The NMB previously took the position that it was not prepared to expend its resources on separate Section 6 negotiations between USAPA and US Airways as long as the merger was pending. Although the merger is delayed, it is still pending, and the Company has said they expect a decision in the Antitrust suit by the end of the year; although there has yet to be any schedule set by the court handling that case. Nevertheless, the merger is still pending, and as result, the NMB is unlikely to change its position and schedule a resumption of separate Section 6 negotiations between USAPA and US Airways.[/background]


APA INFORMATION HOTLINE: August 21, 2013

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]This is APA Communications Committee Chairman First Officer Tom Hoban with an APA Information Hotline message for Wednesday, Aug. 21.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]APA BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING: The APA board of directors meeting recommenced at 9 a.m. today.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]LAX-based FO Dave Boardman briefed the board on SFO home base status, implementation and reinstatement issues. The Seniority Integration Committee introduced the committee members and covered the Memorandum of Understanding timelines for protocols and seniority integration procedures. APA Vice President FO Neil Roghair and Government Affairs Committee Chairman Capt. Bob Coffman briefed the board on their meeting with the American Airlines–US Airways antitrust legal team and other key advisers in Washington, D.C., as part of developing legal and communications strategies for addressing the Justice Department antitrust lawsuit. After discussions with Training Committee Chairman Capt. Terry Barker and Check Airman Committee Chairman Capt. Jeff Mayer, the board voted unanimously to approve[/background]R2013-25, Rev. 1, "Training Committee — Check Airman Liasions[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]." This resolution, which modifies the APA Policy Manual sections 4.01 and 4.30, stipulates that "the Training Committee Chairman shall designate Check Airman 'liaisons' from each aircraft fleet as members of the Training Committee."[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The board meeting adjourned at around 5 p.m. Central today. The board will remain in DFW through Friday in caucus for governance project-related work.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]B PLAN UPDATE: Management has informed us approximately 80 participants with rejected ACH transfers have not contacted the B Plan Election Center. An HI6 message was sent Monday to the 46 active pilots in this group, and management is continuing to attempt to contact the inactive participants.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]If your account was transferred to MetLife, you will receive a welcome letter and a benefit election kit. By way of background, your B Plan benefit was a "qualified" benefit in that it was received from a plan qualified in accordance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. That "qualified" attribute followed your B Plan benefit to MetLife. This is why, for example, you may roll a lump sum from MetLife to an individual retirement account. However, it also means some of the complications inherent in qualified plans are present. For example, if you have been married for more than one year and wish to elect the lump sum option, you will have to provide MetLife with notarized spousal consent. MetLife also must provide you with a relative value analysis of the various benefit elections. These are both requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 417.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]If you have questions, please call the B Plan Election Center at 888-693-6765 for U.S. and Canada or 858-703-3922 for international. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]EQUITY DISTRIBUTION UPDATE: Ninety-six percent of pilots have certified their Form W-9s ("Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification") for the equity distribution tax withholding. Please do this ASAP if you are in the group that has not.For more information, please refer to the [/background]W-9 FAQ[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] that management has posted to Jetnet.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]AA FLIGHT ATTENDANT TRAINEE BOMB THREATS: You might have seen the story in the news about the terminated AA flight attendant trainee charged with phoning in eight false bomb threats to United Airlines, where he was previously employed. According to [/background]WFAA[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)], American says a rigid background check on the man revealed nothing. An AA representative said the carrier "followed all standard procedures for vetting a potential employee, and the man was immediately terminated."[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]WHITE HOUSE PETITION: We encourage every American Airlines pilot to [/background]sign a petition[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]urging the Obama administration to withdraw the DOJ lawsuit that seeks to block the American Airlines–US Airways merger.[/background]


[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]PilotAction On-line Petition Request: The online petitions below take seconds to complete. PilotAction encourages every reader to sign the application, have your spouse sign the application, and for you to encourage your friends and family sign the petitions too to support the American Airlines-US Airways merger.[/background]

White House Petition to Support the Merger: https://petitions.wh....rways/hqZ3gs9v

DOJ Petition to Support the Merger: http://www.change.or....share_petition

FL Attorney General Contact to Support the Merger: http://myfloridalega...f/contact?Open

VA Attorney General Contact to Support the Merger: http://www.ag.virgin....ntactForm.aspx

Department of Justice - Don’t Block the Merger: http://afl.salsalabs....ction_KEY=7017

 

[Phoenix]

As always, thanks for the info. I wish our union was as active and informative as the APA.

Bean

I don't care if they don't talk to us but its cool to see that APA is getting their taxes paid for them on their 100K stock. Should we expect taxes to be paid for us on our 6K?

 

[snapthis]

The Phoenix reps stand with the APA in wanting to see the merger go through.

August 20, 2013
PHX Domicile Update

The Phoenix Representatives wish to provide you with avenues to voice your support for the merger. Please encourage support from family and friends, and perhaps have them share with others.

John, Dave, and Roger



https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/withdraw-department-justices-suit-block-planned-merger-between-american-airlines-and-us-airways/hqZ3gs9v
http://www.change.org/petitions/department-of-justice-approve-the-aa-usairways-merger?utm_campaign=signature_receipt&;utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition
https://www.facebook.com/TexasAttorneyGeneral
http://www.ag.virginia.gov/ContactUsForm/ContactForm.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pennsylvania-Office-of-Attorney-General/87812031980
https://www.facebook.com/tomhorneaz
http://myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact?Open&;Section=Attorney_General
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tennessee Office of the Attorney General and Reporter
P.O. Box 20207
Nashville, TN 37202-0207
Telephone: (615) 741-3491
Fax: (615) 741-2009

 

[Pi brat]

The Phoenix reps stand with the APA in wanting to see the merger go through.

Well, they do tend to fire too early and considering their track record, they could do more harm than good.

From our REAL leaders:

"9. What can I do to help?


You can continue doing what we do best – providing our
respective passengers with the outstanding customer
service that they expect from each airline. Your hard work
and dedication will be the building blocks of the combined
company’s success.
•
We look forward to updating you on additional ways to show
your support for the proposed merger in the coming weeks."

Has someone from USAPA said they don't want the merger to happen?

 

[snapthis]

What have your union reps said to counter the DOJ?

All I see from Usapians is the merger is dead on the pilot forums.

Silence and glee that's what I see.

Speaks volumes.

 

[Pi brat]

What have your union reps said to counter the DOJ?

All I see from Usapians is the merger is dead on the pilot forums.

Silence and glee that's what I see.

Speaks volumes.

You always "see" what you want to. Fact is, the company hasn't asked any of us to do anything. Had they made a statement, any statement, you would have "seen" that they did it wrong.

You constant whine about anything east speaks volumes.

 

[snapthis]

You always "see" what you want to. Fact is, the company hasn't asked any of us to do anything. Had they made a statement, any statement, you would have "seen" that they did it wrong.

You constant whine about anything east speaks volumes.

Either USAPA is for or against the DOJ's action.

It's a simple yes or no. Which is it?

 

[USA320Pilot]

PilotAction Merger News for US Airways & American Airlines: August 22, 2013

American Airlines And US Airways File Motion To Set Trial For Nov. 12, 2013

Airlines Seek Their Day in Court to Demonstrate Pro-Competitive Outcomes of Planned Merger

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://finance.yahoo....203700107.html


American Airlines, US Airways ask for a Nov. 12 trial on antitrust lawsuit; DOJ wants a Feb. 10 date

See Story: http://aviationblog.....-lawsuit.html/


AMR, US Airways ask for Nov. 12 trial date for anti-trust suit

See Story: http://blogs.star-te....rust-suit.html


County leaders want lawsuit against AA-US Airways merger dropped

See Story: http://m.local10.com/money/county-leaders-want-lawsuit-against-aaus-airways-merger-dropped/-/16717888/21565022/-/f75fgnz/-/index.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it


Cruz, Cornyn stay out of AA-US Air merger debate for now

Texas AG Spokesman Softens Merger Stance: “We are keenly aware of the role American Airlines plays in Texas, however, this action is based on the law and not politics,” said Abbott spokesman Jerry Strickland. “We will continue to work with all of the parties involved and address legal concerns related to the proposed merger. We hope to work toward a win-win solution that benefits all Texans, American Airlines employees and their customers.”

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.dallasnew....te-for-now.ece


American Airlines: No 'plan B' if US Airways merger fails

American Airlines general counsel Gary Kennedy tells the Morning News that American has "no contingency plan" if the merger effort falters. "We are focusing all of our efforts and energies on winning this lawsuit," he says to the newspaper. "There's no Plan B."

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.usatoday.....fails/2681345/


3 On Your Side: Use US Airways Miles Sooner Than Later

Most travel experts agree, that when the US Airways – American merger goes through, and it probably will, passengers will pay the price.

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://philadelphia.....er-than-later/


Why Are Some States Supporting the American-US Airways Merger?

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://wallstcheatsh....r.html/?ref=YF


Officials in 3 states fight suit against American-US Air merger

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.reuters.c....ateNews&rpc=43


Airline Case Show That Eric Holder Just Lets Stuff Happen

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.thestreet....o&cm_ven=YAHOO


Merger’s Pros and Cons for Fliers

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://intransit.blo....r-fliers/?_r=0


AMR-US File Motion to Schedule Trial: A Message from CEO Doug Parker: August 22, 2013

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Dear US Airways Employees,[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Together with American Airlines, we just filed a motion with the US District Court requesting a November 12, 2013 trial date to hear the complaint by the Department of Justice (DOJ) attempting to block our proposed merger. We are eager to get to court so that we can make our case and explain exactly how this merger enhances competition across the US and the globe, and begin creating the new American Airlines as soon as possible. The DOJ will now respond with a similar filing requesting a later trial date.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Ultimately it will be up to the judge to decide on the schedule. Along with our colleagues at American Airlines, we are looking forward to proving in a Court what all of us have known all along – that this merger is good for competition and as a result, extremely good for consumers. [/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]I also want to take this opportunity to thank the employees of US Airways and American who have reached out with encouragement and support since last week’s announcement by the DOJ. I have been invigorated by the outpouring of emails and by those of you that have gone out of your way to stop me in airports to say “go get ‘em” and explain how important this merger is to you and your families. We know that all the employees of US Airways and American desire is a chance to better compete with Delta, United, Southwest and the rest of this industry. We are committed to make that happen.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]We also know all of you want to help. In the coming weeks, we will provide more information on how US Airways and American employees can best support this effort. For now, we have complete confidence in our Court system and expect that we will have a quick and fair opportunity to make our very compelling case. We, like you, are looking forward to that opportunity. [/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]As we have said before, we are mounting a vigorous and strong offense in federal court in order to bring our airlines and talented team members together as the new American. The facts support us, and we are quite confident in our quest to become the new American. Thank you again for all you are doing in support of that effort. Thanks also for what you do every day to take care of our customers. We are running a terrific and reliable operation thanks to you, and I know we will continue to do so as we close out the busy summer travel season. Along with our colleagues at American, we look forward to the day when we will stand together. Thank you so much for your support.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Doug[/background]


AMR-US File Motion to Schedule Trial: A Message from CEO Tom Horton: August 22, 2013

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Dear American Team,[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]I’m writing to update you on the latest developments surrounding the Justice Department’s lawsuit to block our merger with US Airways. As you know, we were weeks away from completing an extraordinary restructuring and closing a merger with great benefits to all stakeholders.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Today, we filed a motion in federal court seeking a trial – starting no later than mid-November of this year – to argue our case for why this merger makes American and the industry even more competitive. The federal judge overseeing the case will ultimately decide on the date.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]While the Justice Department proposes to delay the start of the trial until next year, past cases, similar to ours, have moved at the same pace we are proposing. We believe the November date provides enough time for all parties to prepare.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The request for a November trial date also reflects our strong, unwavering belief in our merger with US Airways and in our legal case. Simply put: We’re ready to go. It’s time to remove the uncertainty for our customers, people and owners, and achieve our vision for the new American.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]As we all understand, it’s the uncertainty that is most challenging. Many of you are probably asking, what will happen now? Where are we going? How long will this take?[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]It may take time to resolve the questions, but we are doing everything possible to clear the path forward and complete our merger.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]While we work to put this uncertainty behind us, some things are perfectly clear: We believe in the benefits of this merger – now, as much as ever.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]We have made tremendous progress on a successful restructuring. You can see it everywhere – more customers, new routes, new aircraft, a new look, strong revenues and record profits. American is moving forward with great momentum. You are making that happen.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]We must always remain focused on our number one priority, our customers.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]In the days ahead we will keep you updated regularly as things develop. In the meantime, let’s continue to run a great airline and keep moving forward. On Monday, we will share our July financial results, which will underscore just how much has been accomplished to date.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Thanks for all you do.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Tom[/background]


USAPA BPR Informational Conference Call Recap: August 22, 2013

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]In accordance with the USAPA Constitution and Bylaws Article 5, Section 3 C. and the Union Operating Manual Section 3 IV. A., there was an Informational Conference Call of the Board of Pilot Representatives on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, commencing at approximately 19:03 EDT. The agenda for this meeting was:[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]· Update on DOJ filing[/background]
[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]· Update on the 3% grievance[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]On the call were the USAPA BPR members (Courtney Borman for CLT Vice Chairman Steve Crimi, and CLT Chairman-Elect Bob Frear), Officers, Legal Counsel, Government Affairs Committee (GAC) Chairman Randy Dopp, Grievance Chairman Dave Ciabattoni, Negotiating Advisory Committee (NAC) Chairman Dean Colello, Business Intelligence Chairman John Owens, and Chris Fillar and Courtney Matinata from USAPA Communications. [/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]President Gary Hummel began the call with an update and overview of some of the activities associated with the DOJ filing. Gary presented a possible communication effort in support of the merger, which was discussed but was deemed unacceptable by the Board. Gary then turned the call over to GAC Chairman Randy Dopp, who presented a report on a Company strategy meeting with union leaders, lawyers, media consultants and Company officials, which Randy attended for the union earlier on August 21. Randy summarized that meeting's focus on appropriate messaging to support the merger.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The Board then spent about 50 minutes in discussion and asking questions, before moving to the second agenda item. Grievance System Board Members, Grievance Chairman Dave Ciabattoni and attorney Theresa Murphy, updated the Board on the 3% grievance and discussed options moving forward. The Grievance Committee is working on exhausting all avenues of the grievance process and assessing the cost of other possible actions outside the normal process. After questions and answers from the Board, the call ended at 20:50.[/background]


APFA Update (APFA/AFA-CWA Representation Discussions Continue): August 22, 2013

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The APFA Board of Directors met with the leaders of AFA-CWA yesterday in Washington for strategic discussions regarding the merger. All parties agree that the merger is still the best path for AA and US Airways' employees as well as for consumers. There was also consensus that it is in the best interest of all involved to avoid a union representation election.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Additional meetings will be scheduled to continue these discussions that will hopefully result in a strategic partnership to benefit all members.[/background]

AmericanAirlines[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]+ US Airways
"MERGE"

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]Leslie Mayo[/background]
[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]APFA National Communications Coordinator[/background]

 

[Pi brat]

Either USAPA is for or against the DOJ's action.
A
It's a simple yes or no. Which is it?

There is no one USAPA. It is an organization made up of many members,with many opinions. I'd say the overwhelming majority of officers and members are against the DOJs action. What to do about it seems to still be in question.

Would you rather the union say nothing are something potentially damaging?

 

[Phoenix]

There is no one USAPA. It is an organization made up of many members,with many opinions. I'd say the overwhelming majority of officers and members are against the DOJs action. What to do about it seems to still be in question.

Would you rather the union say nothing are something potentially damaging?

Now that DUI found it in his heart to pay the taxes on each APA pilot's $100,000 equity stake.... DUI needs to call us with his best offer for our continued support.

 

[767one]

Now that DUI found it in his heart to pay the taxes on each APA pilot's $100,000 equity stake.... DUI needs to call us with his best offer for our continued support.

For many years with ALPA and USAPA the company has treated the pilots like their sexual advisors.....if they wanted out F$#%&#g advice they would ask for it! They haven't asked so I would let it be. Let Dougie work his way out of this on his own. I stopped writting letters for this company many years before I retired.
All the best,

Bob

 

[USA320Pilot]

PilotAction Merger News for US Airways & American Airlines #2: August 22, 2013

AMR, US Airways Seek Nov. 12 Start of Antitrust Trial

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]CHICAGO (WSJ.com) - American Airlines parent AMR Corp. and US Airways Group Inc. asked a federal judge to begin the trial of the Justice Department's antitrust challenge to their merger on Nov. 12, or as soon thereafter as the court's calendar permits. In a legal filing, the two carriers also asked that the trial be 10 days long.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The two carriers, which reached a merger agreement in February that would create the world's largest airline, had hoped to close the deal at this end of this month, but the Justice Department filed suit to block the merger on Aug. 13. The move put AMR's exit from bankruptcy court on hold while the two sides litigate the complaint, or possibly try to reach a settlement that would assuage the department's concerns. The merger is the centerpiece of AMR's reorganization plan.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]In their filing with the U.S. District Court in Washington, the airlines asked Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to start the trial in November, which they said would give the government "a full 90 days following its complaint to prepare for trial. The government, by contrast, proposes a 180-day schedule that is far longer than any of its other merger trials in this century." They said the Justice Department is seeking a trial date of Feb. 10, at the earliest.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The Justice Department had no immediate comment.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The two carriers said their eagerness to wrap up the trial and complete their merger is greater than in ordinary merger situations because American's bankruptcy proceedings are costing $500,000 a day in professional fees alone. They said the delay makes it harder for them to win customers, reassure their unions and retain employees and reduces the significant synergies the combination is expected to deliver.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]US Airways first submitted documents to the Justice Department pertaining to a possible combination with American more than nine months before the public announcement of the merger. The two airlines filed their merger notifications with the government in January of this year and, submitted voluminous additional information by May, produced seven witnesses for depositions and held multiple meetings with Justice Department staffers to answer questions and concerns, they said in the legal filing.[/background]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The pair said they would be prepared for trial in October, but proposed the Nov. 12 date to accommodate the government's request for additional time to prepare.[/background]


The Justice Department Flies In The Wrong Direction

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://seekingalpha.....n?source=yahoo


Charlotte Chamber of Commerce voices support for airline merger

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.bizjourna....n-airline.html


Philadelphia Inquirer: Merger good for airport, city, region

See Story:[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)] [/background]http://www.philly.co....y__region.html

 

[Beancounter]

[background=rgb(250, 250, 250)]The government, by contrast, proposes a 180-day schedule that is far longer than any of its other merger trials in this century." They said the Justice Department is seeking a trial date of Feb. 10, at the earliest.[/background]

This whole thing just stinks to high heaven of political corruption. Some key people in the DOJ need to be either forced to resign or given the boot.

Bean