American Airlines: Let's talk. Pilots: Put it in writing.

Although American officials say they want to resume contract talks, its pilots are taking a wait-and-see approach. Bankruptcy has allowed American to change pilots' pay and work rules, but since then more of its flights have been canceled.

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M. Spencer Green/AP/File
Over 200 American Airline pilots marched on a picket line at O'Hare International Airport last Thursday. The airline wants to resume contract talks, but pilots are leery after American changed their pay and work rules.

American Airlines officials say they want to resume contract negotiations with pilots, but the union wants a written invitation.

The Allied Pilots Association said late Sunday night that it hasn't met with management, no talks are scheduled, and no deal is imminent.

With permission from a federal bankruptcy judge, American set new pay and work rules for pilots this month. Since then, American has seen more canceled and delayed flights. It blames pilots for filing last-minute maintenance requests and calling in sick.

The union says maintenance requests cover safety issues and sick days are running close to normal.

A company spokesman said last week that American was ready to resume negotiations. The union says it needs the request in writing to "establish a protocol" for talks.

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