American Airlines has dealt with significant problems with its mechanics in recent months. The mechanics union and airline management have been unable to agree on a contract and in April, their negotiations came to a halt.

Now, the two sides are headed back to discuss the issue.

It was recently announced that negotiations between the TWU-IAM and American Airlines would resume. The union represents almost 30,000 ground workers. It is the largest union at American Airlines. Talks are expected to take place beginning on September 16 and continue for at least three days at the National Mediation Board in Washington DC.

Union reps have already met with the Mediation Board in August to outline their views on the upcoming talks. According to the union’s director, “Our meeting with the NMB was positive and we are optimistic that resumption of negotiations will be productive. It is now time for the company to keep its word and give our members the industry-leading contract they promised. I thank our members for their incredible patience during this process.”

He called the delays in the process frustrating and pointed out that despite the frustration, union members continued to support the union. He promised the mediation would be an “opportunity to finally close these negotiations, if American Airlines is a willing partner.”

During the summer, American Airlines filed a lawsuit against the mechanics, which accused them of intentionally slowing down their operations. They won the court case and received a permanent injunction against the company’s mechanics union because of it.

It is believed that the airline has the upper hand and that mediation will result in American making some small concessions in mediation which would allow the union to call it a victory.