An American Airlines plane takes off from the Miami International Airport on May 02, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
Joe Raedle | Getty Images
American Airlines pilots approved a sweetened labor deal, making the carrier the second major U.S. airline to seal a latest contract with its highest-paid work group.
The greater than 15,000 pilots at American will get immediate raises of 21% with compensation increasing greater than 46% over the duration of the four-year contract, including 401(k) contributions, their union said Monday.
An earlier deal between American and the union fell apart after rival United Airlines and that carrier’s union reached a richer, preliminary deal. But American increased its offer last month.
American’s pilots voted greater than 72% in favor of the brand new contract, and there was a 95% turnout, in accordance with the Allied Pilots Association. The agreement also includes improvements in scheduling and advantages.
Pilots have been pressing airlines for higher compensation and work rules because the industry faces a shortage of aviators within the wake of the Covid pandemic.
“This agreement will help American immediately expand our pilot training capability to support under-utilized aircraft and future flying and supply our pilots with more opportunities to progress of their careers,” American’s CEO, Robert Isom, said in a press release.
Delta Air Lines pilots ratified a latest agreement earlier this yr.