ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, January 17, 1996            TAG: 9601170068
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-7  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: DALLAS

PILOTS' UNION SEEKS FEDERAL MEDIATION

American Airlines pilots said Tuesday they have requested federal mediation to help settle prolonged contract negotiations with the company.

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 9,000 American Airlines pilots, has been negotiating a new contract with the carrier since June 1994.

``While we have made some progress during the past 18 months, it is far too little and has taken far too long,'' said James G. Sovich, APA president. ``Quite honestly, we haven't been able to get the company to discuss the issues.''

American Airlines had planned to request mediation along with the pilots association but the union declined, airline spokesman Tim Doke said.

At issue are job security, pay and working conditions, Sovich said. American has been asking for salary concessions from its pilots saying it would make the company more competitive.

- Associated Press

LENGTH: Short :   29 lines