2008-07-12 01:01:06 -

- Allied Pilots Association Captain Karl Schricker, 817-302-2350/214-957-5275 Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250/817-312-3901 The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 12,000 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE:AMR), hosted the first-ever international strike preparedness summit this week at its Fort Worth, Texas headquarters.

Airline pilot union leaders and representatives from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) gathered to review and discuss previous

contract negotiations where the labor groups engaged in self-help as part of reaching an agreement with their respective managements.

"Airline managers in the United States have long worked together through the Air Transport Association to develop common labor relations strategies," said APA President Captain Lloyd Hill. "It is imperative that we counter their efforts through our own cooperation and collaboration. Moreover, we must do so internationally in light of the ongoing globalization of the airline industry."

"The opportunity to sit face to face with union leaders from around the world and share information about what has proven effective in past negotiations is truly invaluable," said NATCA President Patrick Forrey. "We look forward to continuing these meetings on a regular basis to counter the collective assault on labor worldwide."

In all, representatives of more than a dozen airline pilot unions from around the world participated in this week's summit.

Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association -- the largest independent pilot union in the U.S. -- is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 12,000 pilots of American Airlines, including 1,973 pilots on furlough. The furloughs began shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Also, several hundred American Airlines pilots are on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union's Web site address is www.alliedpilots.org. American Airlines is the nation's largest passenger carrier and fifth-largest cargo carrier.

"We look forward to continuing these meetings on a regular basis
to counter the collective assault on labor worldwide."