American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, has taken a step to offer immediate 17% wage increases to flight attendants amidst ongoing contract negotiations. The airline has been in talks with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, but a deal has not yet been reached due to disagreements on key issues such as pay.
Struggle for Agreement
The struggle for reaching a new contract agreement has been evident as flight attendants have not received any raises since before the onset of the pandemic. Isom mentioned that while progress has been made in certain areas, there is still a substantial amount of work to be done to finalize the deal. The situation has become so critical that the airline and the union are scheduled to meet with federal mediators next week for a final attempt to come to an agreement.
With the possibility of a strike looming, flight attendants have been informed to prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario. Strikes within the airline industry are rare, and the last major strike among airline employees occurred back in 2010 with Spirit Airlines pilots.
Proposal for Immediate Wage Increases
In an effort to provide flight attendants with a more immediate solution for increased pay, Isom presented a proposal that includes a 17% wage increase along with a new profit-sharing formula. This proposal does not ask for anything in return from the union, highlighting the uniqueness of the current circumstances.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is set to discuss the proposal put forth by American Airlines in a meeting later this week. The union’s national president, Julie Hedrick, emphasized the importance of focusing on a longer-term agreement between the airline and the flight attendants.
Preparations for Potential Strike
As a sign of getting ready for any eventualities, the APFA has opened a “strike command center” to provide support for flight attendants. This center includes dedicated phone lines and resources to address any queries or concerns raised by the cabin crew.
While negotiations continue, it is crucial for both parties to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses the concerns of the flight attendants. With the support of federal mediators and ongoing discussions, there is hope for a resolution that benefits all parties involved in the contract talks.