US Airways' pilots union chooses not to put proposal up for a vote

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- The union representing pilots for US Airways has declined to send the carrier's latest proposal to its members for a vote, union officials said.
The Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association met over the Labor Day weekend to discuss its options, but adjourned Monday night after voting against putting the company's proposal up for possible ratification.
"At this time it is uncertain as to whether or not discussions will continue between ALPA and the company," union spokesman Jack Stephan said in an e-mail.
US Airways, which emerged from bankruptcy protection just one year ago, says it needs to cut costs by $1.5 billion a year to avoid a return to bankruptcy and possible liquidation. The company is seeking about $800 million in labor cuts, including $295 million a year from pilots.
Negotiations with the union included a proposal by management that would cut pay by as much as 35 percent and slash retirement plan contributions by as much as 30 percent, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The airline has been changing flight patterns to help save money, including cutting hub service at Pittsburgh International Airport. Philadelphia will remain the carrier's hub for trans-Atlantic flights, and Charlotte, N.C., for its profitable routes to the Caribbean.