Pilots who fly for American Airlines formed a picket line outside airports including Boston Logan International Airport and Miami International Airport on Monday.
The Allied Pilots Association was the bargaining representative for the 15,000 American Airlines pilots who voted and took a joint stance after overwhelmingly approving a strike authorization.
The association said that more than 99% favored authorizing the union call for a strike, which began on April 1 and was supposed to end Sunday night.
The pilots participated today in an informational picketed-lined protest to put pressure on the airline for higher salaries and better working conditions, even as both sides closed in on an agreement in principle.
“We remain confident that an agreement for our pilots is within reach and can be finalized quickly. The finish line is in sight. We understand that a strike-authorization vote is one of the important ways pilots express their desire to get a deal done, and we respect the message of voting results,” said American Airlines spokeswoman, Sarah Jantz.
According to federal law, airline unions are prohibited from striking without tacit approval of the U.S. mediation board, which is why the union states it is not considered a protest but “informational picketing.” Congress or the president can also act to prevent a strike if one appears imminent.
The American pilots’ union stated it is also seeking to schedule changes that union officials claim will improve efficiency and prevent the widespread delays and cancellations seen last summer.
“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” union President Ed Sicher said.
Although it was expected to end on Sunday, pilots remained in protest, today.
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