American Airlines steps up passenger outreach as delays continue

American Airlines Group is stepping up damage-control efforts with customers who have suffered multiple delays or cancellations as flight disruptions linger from a work slowdown by mechanics and bag handlers. Operations have improved each month since June, Kerry Philipovitch, senior VP-customer experience, said Tuesday. That’s when a federal court issued a temporary restraining order against the TWU-IAM Association to end a union-backed job action designed to gain leverage in lengthy contract talks. The judge agreed last month to a permanent injunction against the union, which is appealing the decision. The slowdown caused more than 1,200 cancellations and lengthy delays, delivering a blow to the busy summer travel season for American. <br/>