American Air’s Labor Discord Stymies CEO Push to Change Culture
- Pilots, flight attendants embroiled in disputes with carrier
- Parker says change essential for airline to stay competitive
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The chief executive officer of American Airlines stood before thousands of managers at a Dallas hotel last year and delivered a crucial message: The world’s largest carrier had to improve caustic labor relations or risk falling behind industry rivals.
Almost 12 months later, Doug Parker still has his work cut out for him. The pilots union complains that pay rates have fallen behind those at other major airlines. Some flight attendants say new uniforms are making them sick, and a union representing 30,000 ground workers is pressing for quicker contract talks.