AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations

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CHARLOTTE — 560 American Airlines pilots participated in informational picketing Monday outside Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Other pilots did the same at several airports across the country.

According to their union, the Allied Pilots Association, pilots voted in the month of April to authorize a strike. That’s one of the first steps in contract negotiations between the pilots and American.

They said they picketed Monday to show they want a new contract.

American Airlines sent the following statement to Channel 9 about the picket:

“We remain confident that an agreement for our pilots is within reach and can be finalized quickly. The finish line is in sight. We understand that a strike authorization vote is one of the important ways pilots express their desire to get a deal done and we respect the message of voting results. Importantly, the results don’t change our commitment or distract us from working expeditiously to complete a deal. We remain focused on completing the handful of matters necessary to reach an agreement our pilots deserve.”

(WATCH BELOW: Ground stop lifted at CLT Douglas after storms roll through area, delays expected)

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