American Airlines Group Inc (AAL)

[Blind Mellon]

AAGroup and pilots reached a new milestone today in relations. For several months with the implementation of new FAA regs regarding pilots flying time and especially the complicated task of a new pilot reserve system, a new agreement was reached today(Friday) They had had discussions for months and were going to binding arbitration. The two sides sat down this week and pilots made an offer. 2 days later, mgmt. said simply "yes. Sounds good"
It may sound like no big deal but I look upon it as a totally new type of relationship forming. Old AA had a couple of negotiators who simply wanted to WIN, no matter how it tore the company apart. These new guys refer not just to shareholders but to all stake holders. That would include employees, shareholders, airline manufacturers etc. Pilots are excited at the agreement. It will cost very little dollar wise and make life a little more bearable for reserve pilots, which constitute about 25-30% of the pilot force.

This is an indication of forward thinking management who may take a more "wholistic" and long term approach to the airline. In the past, if they could beat the crap out of every employee to squeeze another nickel from them and their family... they'd do it. Happy employees are good employees. Good employees help keep customers coming back.