American spokesman John Hotard said two aircraft were taken out of service Monday at JFK Airport in New York because of scratches made on cockpit windows. We don't condone these things. I don't think anyone will do anything to affect the airworthiness of an aircraft. Sources familiar with the dissent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said much of it is coming from among about 27,000 mechanics, fleet service clerks, dispatchers and other employees who could be furloughed by a strike. A little more than a year ago, those unionized workers agreed to a six-year contract freezing their wage scales for three years in exchange for job security.
Some pilots are also unhappy.
The company said at least 35 pilots who are nearing the mandatory retirement age of 60 will retire instead of face a strike. Many others are considering retirement. The airline's retirement package is considered the best in the industry. Union spokesman Wally Pitts played down the possibility of early retirements, saying they were driven by the soaring stock market, not the labor situation. Retirement pay has not been one of the primary contract points.