Exhibit 99(c)(6)
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this "Agreement") is dated as of November 19, 1998 by
and among Reno Air, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), American
Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("American"), and Xxxxxx X. Rossum (the
"Executive").
The Executive, the Company, and American agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in Appendix
l entitled "Employment Agreement Definitions."
2. Employment. American agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive
agrees to be employed by American on the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth during the Employment Period.
3. Compensation and Benefits. The compensation and benefits payable to
Executive for all services rendered by the Executive under this
Agreement shall be as follows:
(a) Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a
minimum base salary at the rate of $180,000 per year. Such salary shall
be (i) payable no less frequently than on a monthly basis in accordance
with American's standard payroll practices (and pro-rated for any
partial pay period), and (ii) subject to review and increase (but not
decrease) at any time at the discretion of the Board.
(b) Incentive Compensation. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall be entitled to receive benefits (including but not limited to the
target level award) commensurate for level 8 employees provided for
under American's incentive compensation plan. If this Agreement is in
effect at the time payments under American's 1999 incentive
compensation plan are made, then the Executive's benefits under the
plan will be calculated as if the Executive had been a participant in
the Plan since January 1, 1999.
(c) Performance Share Awards. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall be entitled to receive awards of deferred stock pursuant to AMR
Corporation's Performance Share Program with terms and conditions
similar to those of other level 8 participants in the program. The
number of shares granted will be the same as the yearly number of
shares awarded to other level 8 employees. The Executive agrees that he
shall only be eligible to participate in AMR Corporation's 1999
Performance Share Program to the extent provided in Section 3(n).
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(d) Career Equity Awards. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall be entitled to receive awards of deferred stock pursuant to AMR
Corporation's Career Equity Program with terms and conditions similar
to those of other level 8 participants in the program. The number of
shares granted will be the same as the yearly number of shares awarded
to other level 8 employees. The Executive agrees that he shall only be
eligible to participate in AMR Corporation's 1999 Career Equity Program
to the extent provided in Section 3(n).
(e) Business Expenses. During the Employment Period, American shall
reimburse the Executive promptly for all reasonable travel and other
business expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties and
responsibilities, subject to American's policies with respect to
substantiation and documentation.
(f) Company Stock Options. Prior to or contemporaneously with the Effective
Time of the Merger, the Executive shall be entitled to exercise any
stock options granted under the Prior Agreement. All unexercised
options will be canceled at the Effective Time of the Merger.
(g) American Stock Options. During the Employment Period, American shall
grant to the Executive the same yearly number of options which are
usually granted to a level 8 employee on the same or similar terms and
conditions. The Executive agrees that he shall only receive stock
options in 1999 to the extent provided in Section 3(n).
(h) Airline Travel. During the Employment Period, American shall provide or
cause to provide to the Executive, the Executive's Spouse, the
Executive's Parents and the Executive's Eligible Children the same
travel privileges accorded to American's level 8 employees (the
"Airline Travel Benefits").
(i) Other Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive and, to
the extent applicable, the Executive's family, dependents and
beneficiaries, shall each participate in all benefits, plans and
programs, including improvements or modifications of the same, which
are now, or may hereafter be, available to level 8 employees of
American. Such benefits, plans and programs may include, without
limitation, profit sharing plans, thrift plans, health insurance or
health care plans, life insurance, disability insurance, pension and
other retirement plans, pass privileges, interline travel benefits, and
the like.
(j) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive may take up to 4
weeks of paid vacation a year.
(k) Company Car. During the Employment Period, American shall provide the
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Executive with a company car, or, at its option, American may
substitute a cash allowance therefor.
(l) Indemnification. American shall provide or cause to be provided to the
Executive indemnification against all expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgements, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection
with any threatened, pending, or completed action, claim, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative
(including an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of
the Executive's having served as a director, officer or employee of the
Company or any affiliate of the Company. American shall advance fees
(including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Executive in the defense of
any such action, claim, suit, or proceeding, and American shall
maintain customary directors and officers liability insurance coverage.
These provisions supplement and are not in lieu of any rights granted
to the Company's officers and directors under the Company's articles of
incorporation, bylaws, any corporate document (including insurance
policies), or applicable law. American shall pay, or promptly reimburse
on an as-incurred basis to the Executive, the reasonable fees and
expenses of the Executive's legal counsel for its services rendered in
connection with, the Executive's enforcement of this Agreement;
provided, that if the Executive institutes any proceeding to enforce
this Agreement and the judge, arbitrator or other individual presiding
over the proceeding affirmatively finds that the Executive instituted
the proceeding in bad faith, the Executive shall pay all costs and
expenses, including attorneys' fees, of the Executive and American.
(m) Relocation Assistance. In the event that this Agreement: (i) is
terminated by American (other than for Cause), (ii) is terminated by
the Executive with Good Reason, or (iii) expires upon the occurrence of
the Non-Renewal Event and the Executive relocates from the Reno area
within 12 months after the date of termination or the Non-Renewal
Event, American will reimburse or pay the Executive for basic and
customary closing costs and the reasonable costs of packing and moving
to a location in the continental United States selected by the
Executive up to a maximum amount of $35,000, substantiated by actual
receipts.
(n) Merger Bonus and 1999 Equity Grants. Upon the Effective Time of Merger,
Executive shall receive (i) a payment equal to 150% of the Executive's
annual base salary as set forth in Section 3(a); (ii) 2,500 stock
options, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of AMR
common stock on the day of grant, subject to terms and conditions
similar to those of other level 8 participants; (iii) 1,000 shares of
deferred stock, subject to terms and conditions similar to those of
other level 8 participants in AMR Corporation's Performance Share
Program and (iv) 1,000 shares of deferred stock, subject to terms and
conditions similar to those of other level 8 participants in AMR
Corporation's Career Equity
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Program.
(o) American Service Credit. During the Employment Period, American shall
calculate any years of service credit as if the Executive had been an
employee of American as of the date of the Prior Agreement.
4. Termination and Termination Benefits
(a) Termination by American for Cause. American may terminate the
Executive's employment for Cause. If the Chief Executive Officer of
American determines in good faith that the Executive should be
terminated for Cause, American shall send written notice to the
Executive setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of the Cause.
If terminated for Cause, the Executive will be entitled to no
additional compensation other than salary accrued prior to the
effective date of termination.
(b) Termination by American without Cause. The Executive's employment may
be terminated by American without Cause provided that the Executive is
afforded at least 30 days' prior written notice of such termination.
(c) Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate his
employment with or without Good Reason by giving American not less than
30 days' prior written notice of termination of his employment, and he
shall not be required to render any services to American after the date
set forth in the notice of termination. In the event of a termination
by the Executive without Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled
to no additional compensation other than salary accrued prior to the
effective date of termination.
(d) Benefits Upon Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason. If this
Agreement is terminated by American without Cause, or this Agreement is
terminated by the Executive with Good Reason: (i) American shall pay to
the Executive 2 times the Executive's annual base salary as set forth
in Section 3(a); (ii) the Executive shall be entitled to receive
medical, dental, life insurance, vision and similar benefits as well as
Airline Travel Benefits up until the 30-month anniversary of the
Effective Time of the Merger as if the Executive continued to be a full
time level 8 employee, and (iii) the Executive shall be entitled to
exercise any stock options that were vested on the date of termination.
The amount that would be due and payable under sub-clause (i) of this
Section 4(d) shall be paid to the Executive in three equal installments
on each of the 30th, 60th, and 90th day after the date of termination
(or the immediately succeeding business day if any such day is not a
business day). The Executive acknowledges that payments and benefits
received pursuant to this Section 4(d) are in lieu of any other amounts
to which the employee may be entitled upon
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termination.
(e) Benefits Upon Expiration of the Employment Period. If upon expiration
of the Employment Period, the Executive is not offered or does not
accept a position with American (the "Non-Renewal Event"), the
Executive shall be entitled to receive the same payments and benefits
as if he had been terminated by American without Cause. The Executive
acknowledges that payments and benefits received pursuant to this
Section 4(e) are in lieu of any other amounts to which the employee may
be entitled upon termination.
(f) Continued Employment with American. If upon expiration of the
Employment Period, the Executive is offered and accepts a position with
American, the Executive will receive a payment equal to 2 times his
annual base salary as set forth in Section 3(a). Thereafter, the
Executive's ongoing salary and benefits (including any travel
privileges) shall be commensurate with the level of the position
accepted by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall
be entitled to the Airline Travel Benefits accorded to American's level
8 employees up until the 30-month anniversary of the Effective Time of
the Merger.
(g) No Duty to Mitigate/No Non-Compete. The Executive has no duty or
obligation to mitigate the expenditures for salaries, bonuses, benefits
or otherwise after termination of this Agreement and/or cessation of
employment with American. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to
serve as a "noncompete" or other limitation on the future employment
opportunities for the Executive after termination of this Agreement.
5. Confidential Information. The Executive shall maintain a fiduciary
duty to the Company and American for all confidential information,
knowledge or data relating to the Company, American or any of their
affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have
been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the
Company or American or any of their affiliates until such confidential
information, knowledge or data become a matter of public record through
disclosure by a person or persons other than the Executive or his
representatives and which does not involve communication or disclosure,
directly or indirectly, by the Executive or his representatives. The
Executive shall not communicate or disclose any such information,
knowledge, or data to anyone other than the Company, American and those
designated by the Company or American. After termination of the
Executive's employment with American, the Executive shall return all
confidential and proprietary information in his possession or under his
control and shall not, without the prior written consent of American,
communicate or disclose any such information, knowledge or data to
anyone other than American and those designated by American. Willful
violation of this paragraph 5 shall void this Employment Agreement.
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6. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and all rights of Executive
hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the
Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devises and legatees.
This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior
written consent of American shall not be assignable by the Executive
other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
7. General Contract Provisions.
(a) Governing Law/Headings/Amendments/Entire Agreement. This Agreement
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Texas, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof
and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or
modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. This
Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company, American,
and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all other agreements (other than the Prior
Agreement), either oral or written, between the Company and the
Executive or American and the Executive with respect to the subject
matter hereof effective immediately. All provisions of the Prior
Agreement relating to the obligations of the Company or any successor
to the QQ Business (as that term is defined in the Prior Agreement) (i)
upon a Change in Control (as that term is defined in the Prior
Agreement), (ii) as to post-Employment Period Airline Travel and Club
Benefits (as that term is defined in the Prior Agreement) and (iii)
lifetime medical coverage are superceded in their entirety by this
Agreement effective immediately. All other provisions of the Prior
Agreement shall be superseded in their entirety by this Agreement as of
the Effective Time of the Merger.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed as follows: if to the Executive: to his address as
set forth in the personnel records of the Company, if to the Company:
to Reno Air, Inc., 000 Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxx, Xxxxxx 00000, Attention: Chief
Executive Officer, with a copy to the attention of the Company's
Corporate Secretary, if to American: American Airlines, Inc., 0000 Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 5675 HDQ, Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 00000, Attention:
Corporate Secretary; or to such other address as either party shall
have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notices
and communications shall be effective when actually received by the
addressee.
(c) Enforceability Issues. If any benefits to which the Executive shall
otherwise be
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entitled hereunder are not permitted to be provided to the Executive
under any governing plan document or applicable law governing the
payment or provision of such benefits, the Company shall pay or provide
equivalent benefits to the Executive (or his representatives in the
case of death). The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision of this Agreement. To the extent the provisions of
Section 3(l) are inconsistent with the terms regarding subrogation in
any officers' and directors' liability coverage, the terms of such
insurance coverage shall prevail. A party's failure to insist upon
strict compliance with any provision hereof shall not be deemed to be a
waiver of such provision thereof.
(d) Withholdings. American may withhold from any amounts payable under this
Agreement such federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be
withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(e) Release. The Executive agrees, on behalf of himself and all of his
heirs or personal representatives, to release the Company, American,
its parent company, AMR Corporation, all subsidiaries of either, and
all of their present or former officers, directors, agents, employees,
employee benefit plans and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries
and insurers of such plans from any and all claims for relief of any
kind, whether known to the Executive or unknown, which in any way arise
out of or relate to the Executive's employment at the Company,
concerning events occurring at any time up to the date set forth in the
introductory paragraph; provided that by accepting the Merger Bonus
described in Section 3(n), the Executive shall be deemed to have
restated this release to include all claims with respect to all events
occurring at any time up to the Effective Time of the Merger.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive, the Company and American have executed this
Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.
Reno Air, Inc. (the "Company")
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. X'Xxxxxx
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Name: Xxxxxx X. X'Xxxxxx
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Title: Chairman, Chief Executive
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Officer and President
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American Airlines, Inc. ("American")
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Title: Senior Vice President -
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Finance and Planning
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/s/ Xxxxxx X. Rossum
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Executive
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Appendix l
Employment Agreement Definitions
"Airline Travel Benefits" is defined in Section 3(h).
"American" shall mean American Airlines, Inc.
"Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of American.
"Cause" shall mean (i) an act or acts of personal dishonesty taken by the
Executive and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the
Executive at the expense of American, (ii) repeated violations by the Executive
of the Executive's obligations under this Agreement which are demonstrably
willful and deliberate on the Executive's part and which are not remedied in a
reasonable period of time after receipt of written notice from American or,
(iii) the conviction of the Executive of a felony.
"Company" shall mean the Company as defined above.
"Eligible Child" shall mean the Executive's "dependent children" as defined
under American's non-revenue travel policies.
"Employment Period" shall mean the 24 month period commencing as of the
Effective Time of the Merger.
"Executive's Parents" shall mean those family members defined as "Parents" under
American's non-revenue travel policies.
"Executive's Spouse" shall mean that family member defined as "Spouse" under
American's non-revenue travel policies.
"Effective Time of the Merger" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger
Agreement between the Company and American, dated as of November 19, 1998.
"Good Reason" shall mean any one or more of the following: (i) any failure by
American to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, other than an
isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and
which is remedied by American promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by
the Executive, (ii) American's requiring the Executive to be based at any office
or location other than within 35 miles of the Reno/Lake Tahoe International
Airport, except for travel reasonably required in the performance of the
Executive's responsibilities, or (iii) the assignment to the Executive of duties
inconsistent with a reasonable level of management responsibilities commensurate
with the Executive's level of experience, excluding for this purpose an
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isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which
is remedied by American promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the
Executive.
"Non-Renewal Event" is defined in Section 4(e).
"Prior Agreement" shall mean that Employment Agreement, dated April 17, 1998
between Company and Executive.
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