April 27 - More than 160 US Airways and America West pilots turned out in a cold rain today to show management that they will only consider negotiating proposals that respect the pilots' contributions and that contain wages, benefits, work schedules and job protections that are commensurate with US Airways' position in the marketplace. ALPA and US Airways management have been in negotiations for more than a year and a half. Management has said it will present its first complete economic proposal on May 8 and 9 in Washington, D.C.

US Airways' financial success is undeniable. After the merger of US Airways and America West, the airline quickly became prosperous, posting an operating profit of $507 million in 2006. US Airways CEO Doug Parker received $14.4 million in compensation and benefits for 2006 and was also the highest-paid airline CEO in 2005.

“The bounty to Doug Parker for holding this pilot group hostage to a bankruptcy contract amounted to a reward of $14.4 million total compensation for 2006. That was achieved on the backs of the pilots. At the same time, US Airways ranks near the top in consumer complaints,” said Captain Jack Stephan, US Airways MEC Chairman. “As management formulates their first economic proposal, US Airways and America West pilots are picketing at the Philadelphia International Airport to remind management that achieving the operational performance and synergies promised to passengers, investors, and employees will be fulfilled only through good faith bargaining with its pilots, which will lead to a fair, single collective bargaining agreement.”

“US Airways senior management is literally making millions for themselves by sticking their employees with the bill,” said Captain John McIlvenna, America West MEC Chairman. “While management is blinded by dollar signs, they are ignoring the flashing warning signs as the operation continues to crumble around them. Until management addresses the needs of the operation and fulfills their promises for a single, seamless airline, our employees—and our passengers—are in for a long, hot summer.”