January 4, 2005
US Airways' mechanics union leaders say union members may walk out if a bankruptcy court allows the airline to scrap its current agreement. Meanwhile, travel agents are booking clients onto other airlines and the federal government is setting up a "hotline" to monitor the situation.
A federal bankruptcy judge is scheduled to rule Thursday on whether the airline can nullify its contract with aircraft mechanics. Union leader Randy Canale said his group's decision will depend on how much additional time, if any, the judge allows for talks on a new contract.
"I can't say we're optimistic," Canale told The Washington Post.
The Railway Labor Act prohibits airline workers from walking off their jobs before National Mediation Board procedures are completed. But union officials argue that if the judge nullifies the contract, the no-strike provision no longer applies.
As US Airways' troubles mount, travelers and travel agents are abandoning the bankrupt carrier. Travel agents say US Air's problems over the holiday weekend plus its worsening financial and labor situations are leading them to move clients to other carriers.
Feds Set Up "Hotline"
The U.S. Department of Transportation says it wants to hear from consumers who have experienced problems with commercial air travel. Thousands of travelers were stranded after US Airways and Delta subsidiary Comair canceled hundreds of flights because of computer and staffing problems.
To get feedback from the flying public, the Transportation Department's Inspector General Kenneth M. Mead has set up a special hotline. The number is (866) 670-3341.
"The Secretary has asked us to conduct a review of the events that disrupted the plans of so many passengers who looked forward to being with their families and friends during this holiday season," Mead said.
The Inspector General said his staff will be examining the causes of flight cancellations, delays, and baggage handling malfunctions associated with US Airways. They will also review the reasons why a computer system at Comair failed, forcing the cancellation of nearly a thousand flights.
"We want to complete this work expeditiously to provide the Secretary, Congress, and the traveling public with an objective assessment so corrective actions can be taken by the appropriate parties to prevent such situations from happening again," Mead said.
The Office of the Secretary's Aviation Consumer Protection Division is responsible for receiving complaints from members of the public regarding aviation consumer issues and verifying compliance with DOT's aviation consumer protection requirements. It too is set up to receive complaints.
Should individuals wish to register a complaint, they can do so by calling (202) 366-2220 or via email at: airconsumer@ost.dot.gov.
