US Airways pilots deny illegal work slowdown

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Reuters:

(Reuters) - A union representing US Airways Group Inc pilots on Sunday rejected the carrier's accusations that it was encouraging an illegal work slowdown, resulting in more flight and baggage delays and increased cancellations.

US Airways had on Friday filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, seeking to halt an "unlawful pilot slowdown campaign" designed to put pressure on collective bargaining talks.

But union spokesman Capt. James Ray called "categorically false" the Tempe, Arizona-based carrier's accusations that the union is involved in any illegal job action. He also said US Airways is trying to portray the union's efforts to address "legitimate safety concerns" as a mere negotiating tactic.

"The US Airways lawsuit represents nothing more than an escalation of the pilot intimidation campaign that started more than three years ago when they tried to discipline pilots for requesting additional reserve fuel," he said.

US Airways spokeswoman Tina Swail declined to comment on Ray's statement.

The carrier and the union, which said it represents 5,200 pilots, have been in often contentious contract talks since the 2005 merger of the old US Airways with America West Airlines.

A dispute over seniority has been the main stumbling block to a joint labor agreement with pilots from both carriers.
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Illegal activity from a union? I am shocked!