Flight attendant union rejects American Airlines’ proposed 17% pay raise

The most recent proposal from American Airlines was overwhelmingly rejected by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which is the union that represents more than 23,000 flight attendants working for the airline. The airline offered its flight attendants new contracts that included an immediate 17% pay raise and a revised mechanism for increased profit sharing in 2024. Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines, stated in a press release that the airline has increased wages for all the flight attendants and is not requesting anything in return from their union. He mentioned that the raise would be reflected in June paychecks and that these actions were taken in response to the current unusual market conditions.

The complete information was distributed by video message to 27,000 flight attendants who are members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. It happened while the union held a strike in Dallas and both parties were getting ready for what might be final talks the following week. It did not get a favorable reaction. According to APFA President Julie Hedrick, their CEO has chosen to engage in direct negotiations with association members. She further stated that the CEO is working to get around the union. According to Hedrick, the 17% raise is equivalent to the current Delta pay rates. On Wednesday night, the offer was unanimously rejected by the union’s board. Instead, she stated that APFA would want a deal that leads the industry and exceeds Delta’s rates.

Currently, the top industry contract belongs to the Transport Workers Union, which represents Southwest flight attendants. Although the compensation on Southwest is 24 percent of American wages, there is no boarding pay per the terms of the contract. Hendricks added that when American Airlines had offered members the same 17% discount in the past, they had declined. She has received emails, texts, and messages in union chat rooms expressing no interest in anything. At American Airlines’ request, negotiations with the National Mediation Board will take place in Washington within a week. 

The flight attendants of American Airlines have demanded an immediate rise of almost 33%, claiming they haven’t received a pay increase in over five years. Flight attendants have faced many challenges since the pandemic, according to union leaders, most notably disruptive passengers who are opposing the contentious mask requirement on aircraft. Next Monday, talks between the two parties are scheduled to resume. The APFA has asked for a report from the federally mediated negotiations, making it abundantly evident that American Airlines’ proposals still do not adequately address the state of the economy.