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Pilots' Pay Demands May Boost Fares

By Dan Schlossberg
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 7, 2007

Airline captains worked more hours for lower pay during the last five years, when the aviation industry was staggered by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, runaway fuel costs, and bankruptcies that struck four of the seven major carriers.

In some cases, pilots lost more than 30 per cent of their pay and 50 per cent of their pensions by agreeing to work rules designed to help airlines survive.

Contract negotiations are ongoing at American, US Airways, and Southwest, with United and Northwest captains reportedly anxious to open negotiations early. In fact, United pilots vocalized their pay demands with a demonstration at Washington Reagan National Airport on May 3.

Raises in pay for pilots would almost certainly result in higher ticket prices for consumers, even those who use Southwest, JetBlue, and other discounters.

The Air Line Pilots Association and the Allied Pilots Association both are seeking to restore lost wages and benefits. Officials of both groups insist pilots did not cause the recent problems that plagued the airline industry.

In addition to restoring lost pay and pensions, pilots want to restructure work rules so that they don't work so many extra hours -- a practice they say compromises passenger safety.

Union members at several airlines are demanding that leaders hold firm in contract talks or risk losing their positions.

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