American Airlines pilots picket for changes to scheduling policy that would fix flight delays

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Pilots for American Airlines held an informational picket Tuesday on Michigan Avenue. The pilots are calling for changes to scheduling that would benefit not just pilots, but airline and passengers.

"1.2 million passengers have been impacted by cancelations by American Airlines that shouldn't have happened," said Capt. Dennis Tajer, spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association.

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American Airlines operates about half a million flights annually from Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

The Allied Pilots Association said the changes in scheduling would help increase American Airlines industry lagging operational performance, according to a press release.

Pilots for American were joined by pilots of other airlines during the picket. American Airlines released a statement, saying, "American's pilots participate in informational picketing periodically, which isn't out of the ordinary and will not have an impact on our operation. We remain committed to reaching an agreement with the APA that will benefit our pilots and our operation. Last month, we passed an updated, enhanced comprehensive proposal to the APA that would ensure our pilots are paid well and competitively and that they see significant improvements to benefits and quality of life provisions."