American Airlines Loses Attempt to Block Union Election

Bid to unionize passenger-service agents

A federal appeals court has ruled against American Airlines, which tried to block a union election among nearly 10,000 employees.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans overturned a district court judge's ruling in American's favor. The appeals court said Wednesday that the judge didn't have grounds to invalidate a federal panel's decision to schedule an election among American's passenger-service agents.

The Communications Workers of America said the ruling paves the way for an election on its bid to represent the agents. The ruling is also a victory for the National Mediation Board, which decides whether to hold union-representation elections.