FORT WORTH- The labor union representing American Airlines (AA) flight attendants rejected a proposal from the company on Wednesday (June 5, 2024) to immediately raise pay by 17%.
Earlier that day, CEO Robert Isom had offered the 17% wage increase as contract negotiations continued without a resolution, heightening the possibility of a strike.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Strike
The airline and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants have been unable to agree on a new contract, with major sticking points like pay remaining unresolved. Flight attendants have not received contract raises since before the pandemic.
“We have made progress in several key areas, but there is still much work to be done,” Isom said in a video message to flight attendants.
The union announced that both parties are scheduled to meet with federal mediators next week for a “last-ditch” effort to finalize a deal. Flight attendants have been instructed to prepare for a potential strike.
Strikes among airline employees are extremely rare, with the last one occurring in 2010 among Spirit Airlines (NK) pilots. If an agreement cannot be reached, federal mediators would initiate a release process, which would take several weeks.
“To get you more money now, we presented APFA with a proposal that includes immediate wage increases of 17% and a new formula to boost your profit sharing,” Isom stated on Wednesday. “This means we’ve offered increased pay for all flight attendants without asking your union for any concessions. This is unusual, but these are unusual times.”
Strike Command Center
Julie Hedrick, the union’s national president, stated that the airline should prioritize developing a longer-term agreement with the flight attendants.
“This proposal is not that,” she remarked.
On Wednesday, the union also announced the opening of a “strike command center” equipped with dedicated phone lines and other resources to assist cabin crew with their inquiries.
While U.S. airline pilots secured new labor agreements last year, flight attendants at American, United Airlines (UA), and Alaska Airlines (AS) are still in negotiations.
Last month, a bipartisan group of over 160 House representatives urged the National Mediation Board to expedite the completion of deals between airlines and flight attendants.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Also Read: US Airlines, Including American, United, Delta, and Southwest, want you to Dress Properly – Aviation A2Z
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
American Airlines Longest Serving Flight Attendant Bette Nash Dies at 88
The post American Airlines Flight Attendant Rejects Pay Raise, Threatens New Strike appeared first on Aviation A2Z.