MIAMI – Since filing for bankruptcy in November, American Airlines has made many changes to get its finances in order. One way they have gone about cutting costs is by renegotiating union contracts.
"These are the roughest, most uncertain times we've ever been through," said Sidney Jimenez, president of the local chapter of the Transportation Workers Union.
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The Transportation Workers Union has been renegotiating new contracts with American Airlines for months.
"There's a lot of distrust. There's a lot of animosity throughout the years, building up," said Jimenez.
The TWU voted Wednesday to accept a 17 percent budget cut. However, the pilot's union voted to reject the airline's offer.
American Airlines responded by saying: "We must now await a ruling by Judge Lane on the pilot contract that will allow the company to implement the changes necessary to move forward."
The future of many American Airlines employees depends on Judge Lane's ruling next week, which may result in massive layoffs.
Sidney Jimenez said 50 people could lose their jobs in Ft. Lauderdale, 500 in Miami, and thousands more across the country.