Contact:
      Louie Key, National Director
      720-744-6628

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) congratulates American Airlines and US Airways on the announcement of plans to merge the two airlines. During the merger announcement, American officials said that the company will remain in bankruptcy until the merger is approved by federal regulators, which they anticipate will be late third quarter 2013.

AMFA Organizers at American Airlines are conducting an AMFA representation card drive to change the union representation for American mechanics and related employees at the airline. A change in representation will allow AMFA to negotiate the seniority integration agreement following the merger on behalf of American mechanics. AMFA recently completed a successful seniority integration following the merger of Southwest Airlines and AirTran. The AMFA/Southwest committee negotiated a settlement which was then approved by a majority vote of the membership. The ability to participate and vote is a process that is central to AMFA’s principles of democracy, transparency, and member control.

“Thursday’s announcement is good news for the mechanics and related employees at American Airlines,” said Louie Key, National Director for AMFA. “The merger will eventually end the bankruptcy at American and provide more security for our brother technicians. We are looking forward to the completion of our card drive and winning the representation election, so that AMFA can help the American mechanics with the seniority integration process for mechanics at both American Airlines and US Airways.”

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association was established in 1962 as a craft focused union that represents aircraft mechanics and related employees. AMFA currently represents mechanics and related employees at Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.com.