Transport Workers Union tells American Airlines employees to take strike vote

American Airlines workers told to take strike vote

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Transport Workers Union is telling ground workers at American Airlines to take strike votes this month.

The union said Thursday it asked local leaders to mobilize strike committees and get picketing permits at airports.

Union leaders had planned a membership vote on the company’s last contract offer to about 11,000 bag handlers and other workers, then declared the proposal dead.

The workers can’t legally strike unless the National Mediation Board declares a stalemate in negotiations. Union official Robert Gless says the board might do that in September if workers approve a strike.

Company spokeswoman Missy Latham says the two sides have always settled contract talks and, “no job action is imminent.” AMR Corp.’s American is the nation’s second-largest airline.