Nearly two years after the new US Airways was created by the announced merger of America West Airlines and US Airways, the pilots of America West and US Airways have had enough of management’s lack of commitment to negotiating a fair, single contract. More than 230 pilots demonstrated their frustration by picketing in front of their corporate headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. on February 1. They were joined by other pilot groups, including Alaska, Continental, and ExpressJet. Another picketing event is scheduled for February 6, at Washington, D.C.'s National Airport.

Major gaps still exist between the corporate promises made to employees and the reality of how management behaves at the negotiating table. US Airways is posting record quarterly and full-year profits, yet management is determined to force bankruptcy-era concessions onto the pilots. Such an agreement is not acceptable to either pilot group.

A single contract would be a significant step toward completing the America West-US Airways merger and combining the two airlines, making passenger travel easier on US Airways. Management at US Airways instead chose to focus its energy on pursuing yet another merger (the offer to merge with Delta has since been withdrawn). ALPA pilots seriously question management's ability to effectively run two operations, let alone three.

“The quality of operations has definitely deteriorated because of management’s lack of focus in combining the two airlines,” says Capt. John McIlvenna, chairman of the America West MEC. “The sacrifices by labor, specifically the pilots of America West and US Airways, have enabled the new airline to succeed and post a considerable profit for 2006. Management has rewarded themselves with raises, bonuses and stock options and has pursued a billion-dollar deal at the expense of the airline, its employees, and our passengers.”

"The US Airways and America West pilots have committed billions through massive concessions that were used to fund the recovery and renaissance of our airline,” says Capt. Jack Stephan, chairman of the US Airways MEC. "Yet, we continue to be paid wages that are at the bottom our industry while we participate in fruitless negotiations. It is unfortunate that our passengers are also forced to deal with management's whitewashing of the promise of a single carrier and must endure the travel frustrations created from operating two airlines under one banner."

Joint negotiations with US Airways management for a single, fair pilot contract have been ongoing for more than a year. Both pilot groups remain focused on the issue of achieving a fair single contract, one that is commensurate with US Airways’ position in the marketplace.