TWU Launches Campaign to Oppose DOJ’s Attempt to Block American Airlines–US Airways Merger

The TWU is preparing a comprehensive campaign to oppose the Department of Justice’s attempt to block the American Airlines-US Airways merger.  The DOJ’s action is irresponsible and interferes with a reorganization plan that will place American Airlines on firm economic footing.  

The DOJ’s lawsuit fails to consider the economic turmoil that has caused instability in our industry for more than a decade and the sacrifices we’ve made to protect our jobs and keep American Airlines viable.

This merger came about in large part due to the combined efforts of all of American’s unions and will enabled us to achieve industry standard pay.  We believe the merger will still be completed, but the TWU and our allies must mobilize pressure on the DOJ to ensure that the deal succeeds.  

This is a critical time for all of our members to come together to protect our future.  We need all locals and members to commit to participating in this campaign to tell the DOJ to stop interfering with the merger.  We urge every member to actively support these actions and to ask your fellow workers and family members to join in our efforts.  

TWU ACTION PLAN:

1. We will file an amicus brief with the court in opposition to the DOJ anti-trust lawsuit.
2. Using social media, we will mobilize our members to tell Attorney General Holder to drop the lawsuit and allow the merger to proceed.  We will also communicate with our elected officials to urge them to speak-out against the DOJ lawsuit.  Please watch for our email alerts that will allow you to take quick action in support of our campaign.  Share these email alerts with fellow workers and family members and encourage them to take action too.
3. We will circulate petitions to Attorney General Holder that we will hand deliver to the DOJ headquarters in Washington D.C.
4. We will take political action by working with the AFL-CIO and Transportation Trades Department (TTD) to mobilize elected leaders to oppose the DOJ lawsuit.
5. We will offer assistance to our local unions with organizing press conferences in your communities to educate the public about how the merger is good for workers, consumers, and your community.
6. Working with the AFL-CIO, TTD, and the leaders of our nation’s labor unions, we will send Attorney General Holder a strong message that all of organized labor is united in support of this merge.