Appeasing Labor Groups Key In American, U.S. Airways Merger

The support of the work force has been pivotal in finalizing the American Airlines and U.S. Airways merger, which will create the largest airline in the world. Under the American Airlines restructuring agreement, approved by a bankruptcy judge, the company’s employees will get equity, about a quarter of the shares that creditors receive. Doug Parker, chairman of U.S. Airways and now CEO of the merged airline, reached the agreement with groups representing pilots, flight attendants and ground workers in exchange for their support in the merger effort.