American Airlines and the union representing its flight attendants have announced that they have reached an agreement on a new contract that includes pay raises. The deal, which covers 28,000 workers, is subject to a union ratification vote.
The terms of the proposal have not been disclosed. The previous offer from American Airlines, which was rejected by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, included an immediate 18% pay raise followed by annual 2% raises. The union had been seeking a 33% upfront increase, followed by four annual raises of 6% each. Flight attendants have not received raises since 2019.
Union President Julie Hedrick expressed satisfaction with the deal, stating that it will result in billions of additional dollars going towards compensation and work rules for the flight attendant workgroup. American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, Texas, also expressed pride in the agreement, highlighting that it will provide immediate financial and quality-of-life improvements for its flight attendants.
Last year, flight attendants had voted to authorize a strike, and there were concerns about a potential walkout this fall. However, federal law governing the airline industry makes a strike nearly impossible without the approval of federal mediators. The National Mediation Board rejected the union's request to begin a 30-day countdown to a strike, believing that further negotiations could lead to an agreement.
President Joe Biden commended the agreement, emphasizing the efforts of his administration in helping both sides reach a resolution. He noted that avoiding a strike was crucial to preventing negative impacts on the industry and consumers. Biden highlighted his support for labor unions, citing the record wages and contracts secured by workers during his administration.
Overall, the agreement between American Airlines and the flight attendants' union represents a positive development for both parties, ensuring stability and improved conditions for the airline's employees.
