US Airways gets tentative contract

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- US Airways and the union representing about 65 flight crew training instructors have tentatively agreed on a new contract to slash costs as the bankrupt airline works to become a low-cost carrier, the company said Sunday.
Details were withheld until the Transport Workers Union Local 547 could inform its members of the agreement.
US Airways Group Inc. filed for bankruptcy Sept. 12, its second filing in two years, after it failed to extract $800 million in annual concessions from unions. Last week, the company asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to impose temporary pay cuts on pilots, flight attendants and other union workers while negotiations continue.
The nation's seventh-largest airline is seeking 23 percent pay cuts from all its union workers, according to union leaders who received the request.
"While these actions are very difficult for us, we recognize that our livelihood depends on the successful restructuring of this airline," said Bill Gray, president of TWU Local 547.
"We fully recognize these sacrifices, and that they bring us one step closer to our goal of becoming a stronger and more competitive force in the industry," said Jerrold A. Glass, US Airways senior vice president of employee relations.
Arlington-based US Airways said ratification of the agreement is expected within two weeks. The agreement also requires bankruptcy court approval.