American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has offered flight attendants an immediate 17% wage increase as contract negotiations continue. The airline and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants have been struggling to reach a new contract agreement, particularly when it comes to pay. Flight attendants have not received raises since before the pandemic.
Isom acknowledged that while progress has been made in certain areas, there is still much work to be done. In an effort to avoid a strike, the two sides are scheduled to meet with federal mediators next week for a “last-ditch” attempt to reach a deal. However, flight attendants have been advised to prepare for a strike if an agreement cannot be reached.
It is important to note that strikes among airline employees are rare. The last strike among airline employees occurred in 2010 with Spirit Airlines pilots. If American Airlines and the flight attendants’ union cannot come to an agreement, federal mediators would be brought in, a process that could take several weeks.
To address the issue of pay, American Airlines has proposed an immediate wage increase of 17% and a new profit-sharing formula. Isom emphasized that this offer does not require any concessions from the union, stating that these are unusual times and warrant unusual measures.
However, the union’s national president, Julie Hedrick, indicated that the focus should be on reaching a longer-term deal with the flight attendants rather than accepting this temporary proposal. The union’s board will discuss the offer later today.
In response to the ongoing negotiations, the union has opened a “strike command center” to provide support and resources for flight attendants. This center includes dedicated phone lines to answer questions and address concerns.
While U.S. airline pilots have largely reached new labor agreements over the past year, flight attendants at American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines are still in negotiations. A group of more than 160 House representatives recently wrote to the National Mediation Board, urging them to assist in reaching agreements between airlines and flight attendants.
In conclusion, American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants are facing challenges in reaching a new contract agreement, particularly in regards to pay. The airline has offered an immediate 17% wage increase, but the union believes that a longer-term deal should be the focus. If an agreement cannot be reached, federal mediators may be involved, potentially leading to a strike. The union has established a “strike command center” to support flight attendants during these negotiations.
