Unions Object to DOJ Opposition to Airline Merger

Don't think administration makes sense

The Obama administration is again facing criticism from Big Labor, one of the president's top political supporters, this time for trying to block the American Airlines-US Airways merger.

At least four labor unions have joined in opposition to the Justice Department's Aug. 13  anti-trust suit that essentially argues the proposed, $11 billion merger could reduce the number of flight choices for customers, allow the two airlines to control pricing, and increase fares and fees.

Unions representing American pilots and flight attendants from both airlines were, as expected, the first to criticize the administration and the suit.

But the AFL-CIO's Transportation Trade Department recently joined the fight, putting some added muscle behind opposition to the administration's case.