American, US Airways Reach Deal With Machinists

American Airlines has negotiated tentative labor contracts covering more than 11,000 mechanics and other employees at US Airways.

The three-year agreements are subject to voting by the employees, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists. .

We are very pleased to have reached tentative agreements covering the US Airways mechanics, fleet service and maintenance training specialist employees," said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines.

"We want to thank the International Association of Machinists leadership and negotiators for their professionalism and hard work on behalf of their members. We would also like to express our appreciation to the National Mediation Board, Board Member Linda Puchala and Mediator Walter Darr for their assistance in reaching these agreements. We look forward to working together to reach joint collective bargaining agreements for all of the employees in these job classifications at American Airlines."

Fort Worth-based American says union leaders and negotiators unanimously endorsed the agreements.

American Airllines news release

American and US Airways merged in December and aim to combine their work forces.

The deals would pave the way for the machinists and the Transport Workers Union to begin negotiating a single contract covering more than 30,000 ground workers at the combined company. The TWU represents American Airlines mechanics and ramp workers.

Terms weren't disclosed Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.