American Airlines comments on recent allegations of harassment and intimidation

Airline Industry Information, April 5, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Following the recent allegations made by the union representing American Airlines' 11,000 pilots over the alleged harassment and intimidation of pilots who criticise the airline's commitment to safety, American Airlines has stated that the claims are "ludicrous".

The airline has stated that it routinely addresses any safety issue brought forward by individual pilots through a number of avenues and works continuously with the Allied Pilots Association Safety Committee on legitimate issues brought forward by the union.

In regard to the three pilots who have been subjected to disciplinary hearings in recent months for wearing uniforms during media appearances in which they expressed concerns about safety practices, American Airlines claims that the pilots received letters reminding them of the airline's policy on wearing uniforms off duty.

According to the airline, other pilots who have appeared in subsequent television stories on the same subject and saying virtually the same things, but without uniform, received no letter or action of any kind.

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