    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 12, 1999]
    [Page 189]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the American Airlines Labor Dispute
    February 12, 1999

        Over the past several days I have closely monitored the labor
    dispute between American Airlines and the Allied Pilots Association. I
    am concerned about the impact this labor dispute is having on our Nation
    and the traveling public. With the potential for enormous disruption
    over the upcoming Presidents' Day holiday weekend, I urge both parties
    to think of the impact on the traveling public, set aside their
    differences, and work together to resolve the issues between them. We
    have a long history and tradition of settling labor disputes in this
    country under the law. The Railway Labor Act provides the means for the
    airline industry to resolve these disputes.
        It is my understanding that American Airlines canceled up to 80
    percent of its flights yesterday, affecting major cities such as New
    York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, and that it might cancel
    at least half of its scheduled flights today. I commend the cities, the
    airports, the tourism industry, and the other major carriers for doing
    their part to keep domestic air traffic moving. However, even with all
    of the carriers doing their part, it is likely that thousands of
    passengers will be forced to change their travel plans. They are
    innocent bystanders in a dispute that should be set aside over the
    weekend and resolved at the bargaining table.
        Again, I urge both sides to consider the impact their dispute is
    having on the traveling public as well as the millions of Americans who
    depend on the transportation and tourism industries for their
    livelihood.