Feud between American Airlines and pilot union continues - My50 Chicago - Television - WPWR

American Airlines experienced massive delays and cancellations Tuesday as the feud with pilots continues. But it's the customer who suffers during this labor issue.

The airline said pilots are calling in sick at an increased rate. The pilots union said there is no organized work action.

American Airlines reports three planned cancellations at O'Hare and a total of 36 worldwide Tuesday. The airline canceled more than 100 flights Monday. Last week, less than half of American's flights arrived on time and the rate was just 49 percent.

American said cancellations are the result of a crew shortage.

The airline said a high number of sick calls, combined with an increase in maintenance requests caused flight delays - more than 7,000 since mid September. The company alleges some of the mechanical alerts were unnecessary.

The flight schedule has now been reduced system-wide through October 1.

The pilots are negotiating a new contract while the company is in bankruptcy court. The company is trying to cut costs by $1 billion under bankruptcy law.

American Airlines pilots picketed outside O'Hare Airport last week to fight work rule changes that were allowed by a federal judge, who ruled that the company can impose new work rules on its 10,000 pilots while in bankruptcy.

American sent an email to its frequent flyers, apologizing for the trouble.