By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – Fort Worth-based American Airlines today announced a tentative contract agreement with about 10,600 ground workers. The union says the proposed contract includes pay raises, a signing bonus and retiree health benefits for workers over 50, and would keep a traditional pension plan for current workers.
American, in talks with other workers, has proposed that new hires get 401(k) retirement plans -- instead of pensions.
The deal faces a July ratification vote by the employees, who handle baggage, clean aircraft and do other ground chores. They're represented by the Transport Workers Union, or TWU.
American previously announced tentative deals with mechanics and other ground workers. It is still negotiating with flight.
Perry appoints GOP nominee to state Supreme Court
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed state District Judge Debra Lehrmann to the Texas Supreme Court, filling the seat of Justice Harriet O'Neill when she leaves June 20.
Lehrmann is already the Republican nominee to replace O'Neill in the November general election when she will face Democrat Jim Sharp. Perry's appointment allows Lehrmann to join the court on June 21 and finish O'Neill's term.
Republicans hold all nine seats on the state's highest court for civil cases.
Records of Permian impostor hoops star kept secret
Documents that might show how a 22-year-old immigrant from Haiti duped Odessa Permian High School coaches and administrators into thinking he was a 16-year-old basketball star will not be released.
Lawyers for Ector County schools and the University Interscholastic League say records for Guerdwich Montimer, who is charged with felony sexual assault and false documentation, are protected under federal student privacy laws.
The Associated Press sought records of Montimer's request to be eligible to play basketball. They include letters from Permian coaches and Montimer to UIL officials.
Houston attorney Joe Larsen, an expert on open records laws, says the documents should be released to the media because Montimer was not a legitimate student.