American Airlines pilots' union a step closer to wage hike deal

New York

THE union representing American Airlines pilots approved the carrier's final contract offer, paving the way for a retroactive 23 per cent wage hike if its members concur in a vote this month.

The news was a step toward concluding contracts to represent all workers at the airline, which became the world's largest by passenger traffic after it merged with US Airways in December 2013. Its flight attendants received a new contract in arbitration last month, and while deals for other work groups such as ticketing agents are pending, the carrier is poised to avoid the multi-year contract delays that have plagued other merged airlines. "We are pleased our pilots will have a chance to vote on a contract that provides an immediate 23 per cent pay increase and recognises their contributions at American," company spokesman Casey Norton said in an emailed statement late on Saturday.