Catherwood LibraryILR School

Negotiators for union mechanics and bag handlers at American Airlines have rejected a contract proposal from American Airlines that called for lump-sum payments instead of wage increases. The union's top leaders recommended that rank-and-file employees be allowed to vote on the proposal, but the negotiating committee for the Transport Workers union rejected the package. American, the nation's largest carrier, said the union rejected a comprehensive proposal that included additional vacation and sick leave while recognizing "the economic realities facing the industry and our company."