The labor union representing American Airlines flight attendants has rejected a proposal from the airline offering an immediate 17% pay increase. Despite this offer, CEO Robert Isom acknowledged that significant progress is still required to reach a comprehensive agreement.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and American Airlines have struggled to settle on a new contract, with major sticking points including pay. Flight attendants have not seen a contract raise since before the pandemic, and the current negotiations have been prolonged.
Isom presented the 17% wage increase as part of an effort to expedite the resolution, noting that the proposal included a new profit-sharing formula and did not demand any concessions from the union. However, the union remains focused on securing a more extensive and long-term agreement for its members.
Union president Julie Hedrick emphasized the need for a more robust contract, stating, “This is not that.” The APFA is scheduled to meet with federal mediators next week in a final attempt to reach a deal. If the negotiations fail, the process could lead to a strike, although strikes in the airline industry are rare and involve a lengthy process.
The union has also opened a “strike command center” to support its members with information and resources in preparation for potential strike actions. While airline pilots have secured new labor deals, flight attendants at several major airlines, including American, United, and Alaska Airlines, are still in negotiations.
Last month, over 160 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives urged the National Mediation Board to facilitate the completion of agreements between airlines and flight attendants to avoid disruptions.