FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) flight attendants have ratified a new five-year contract, adding $4.2 billion in value to their existing agreement.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) announced that 87% of voting members approved the contract, with 95% of eligible flight attendants participating in the vote.
American Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify Contract
APFA National President Julie Hedrick highlighted the contract’s immediate wage increases of up to 20.5% and significant retroactive pay.
The agreement introduces a new sit rig for compensation during long sits between flights and makes American Airlines flight attendants the first unionized group to secure pay for boarding.
The contract offers industry-leading pay rates, and out-year wage increases, and addresses quality-of-life issues. It also improves scheduling, rescheduling, and reserve work rules for the airline’s cabin crew.
Support for the negotiation process came from various unions and Washington, D.C. leaders. National Mediation Board member Linda Puchala, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg played crucial roles in finalizing the deal.
The negotiation effort received backing from 179 Members of Congress and 33 Senators, who urged the National Mediation Board to expedite the resolution process under the Railway Labor Act.
The APFA Government Affairs Team, Contract Action Team, Congressional Labor Caucus, and AFA-CWA union contributed to this legislative support.
The new wage increases will take effect on October 1, 2024. The contract is set to become amendable on October 1, 2029, providing five years of labor stability for American Airlines and its flight attendants.
The airline views the initial agreement as a reflection of the flight attendants’ hard work and dedication. American Airlines believes the contract terms are both fair and competitive within the industry.
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