Union of Flight Attendants and American Airlines Make Progress

The union of flight attendants, named the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, has struck a tentative deal with American Airlines and has agreed on pay raises that will be included and detailed within a new contract. The specific terms of the new contract were not disclosed, but it will cover approximately 28,000 workers.

According to the Associated Press, the union “previously rejected an American offer that would have increased pay immediately by 18% followed by annual 2% raises. The union was seeking 33% upfront, followed by four annual increases of 6% each. Flight attendants haven’t received raises since 2019.”

Recently, American Airlines has faced numerous challenges, including the threat of a flight attendant strike after the proposed wage increase was rejected. Negotiations continued without a deal, increasing strike likelihood. Talks were set to resume, with flight attendants preparing for a possible strike.

Previously, the pilot’s union raised safety concerns, and the airline faced lawsuits, including a controversial case involving a 9-year-old girl and a racial discrimination suit filed by three Black men regarding a flight in January.

Moreover, last year, American Airlines faced a potential strike as flight attendants sought strike authorization due to stalled contract talks, raising holiday travel concerns. Despite American’s assurance of no holiday walkout, union leaders have been unhappy with the lack of pay raises since 2019.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants asked the National Mediation Board to declare a deadlock and authorize a strike after a 30-day cooling-off period. Southwest pilots also prepared for a potential strike.

A strike countdown for Dec. 29 began, though federal laws made strikes difficult, requiring an impasse declaration and allowing presidential or congressional vetoes. American Airlines disputed the stalemate claim, citing its industry-leading proposal.

In order for the new contract to become fully realized, it will still need to pass a union ratification vote.