Airline Division Week In Review - May 26, 2012

Comair F/A Negotiations Continue

This week negotiations for Comair Flight Attendants continued with steady progress being made in several areas. The parties exchanged proposals on Deadheading, Sick Leave, Moving Expenses and Labor Disputes. Discussions were also conducted on Scheduling. Following the week's bargaining session, the Comair Flight Attendants negotiating committee began informational meetings with the rank-and-file membership. The next scheduled bargaining session for the parties will be in mid June.

ExpressJet Negotiations Continue
Negotiations for ExpressJet resumed on May 22^nd and continued through May 24^th at the offices of the National Mediation Board in Washington D. C. There was extensive discussion between both parties and proposals were exchanged on several sections, including Section 6 - (Reduction in Force and Recall), Section 16 – (Moving Expenses) and Section 7 – (Hours of Service). While the parties are closer to reaching agreement on the sections of the agreement noted there are some fundamental differences still exist that have prevented them from reaching final agreement on the issues.
Negotiations are scheduled to resume June 27^th and 28^th in Houston.

Airline Industry News

Airlines and Industry
AMR Corp. bondholders are studying a proposal from USAirways to merge with AMR, the parent company of American Airlines…Airbus CEO Tom Enders says that the wing cracks found on Airbus A380s were a result of new technology that wasn't completely understood.
On Wednesday, AMR finished its testimony to throw out their labor contracts…Southwest Airlines has reached a tentative deal with Delta Air Lines to sublease its entire fleet of 88 fuel-efficient Boeing 717 planes starting in 2013….while their Flight Attendants have voted against any contract changes
Boeing and Airbus have predicted a market of $4 trillion for new aircraft over the next two decades…Delta Air Lines could purchase more regional jets once a contract with pilots is ratified, its pilots union says.
Recent oil price reductions could lead to increased profits for U.S. airlines.