TEXAS- American Airlines (AA) flight attendants have joined the ranks of aviation employees who have given their approval for a potential strike.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the union representing them, revealed that 93% of their union members participated in a strike authorization vote, with an overwhelming 99.47% voting in favor.
American Airlines Flight Attendants to Strike
Julie Hedrick, the union president, conveyed on Wednesday that this move is a response to combatting corporate greed at American Airlines. The union boasts representation for over 26,000 workers.
An American Airlines spokesperson commented, “We’re satisfied with the progress we’ve achieved through negotiations with the APFA, and we are eagerly working towards a mutually beneficial agreement for our flight attendants. While the strike authorization vote serves as a way for flight attendants to express their desire for a resolution, it does not change our dedication to expeditiously reaching an agreement.”
However, it’s important to note that the vote does not guarantee an imminent strike. Both airline workers and their employers must navigate a series of lengthy procedures before any actual strike can occur.
To raise awareness, off-duty American flight attendants have organized informational picketing events at twelve airports across the nation on Wednesday.
This year, American and Southwest Airlines (WN) pilots also endorsed strike authorization votes. Subsequently, American pilots successfully ratified a new contract with their employer.
AFPA Votes
Earlier, the Association for Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), based in Euless, representing more than 26,000 flight attendants, stated that the voting process will take place from July 28 to August 29, and the results will be announced on August 30.
Following this, the union will organize further pickets at the airline’s hubs across the country.
If the vote is successful, it does not guarantee an immediate strike or ensure that a strike will occur. It simply means that the union members have approved the possibility of calling a strike if negotiations reach an impasse.
It is important for travelers to understand that executing a strike would involve multiple legal steps due to the regulations imposed by the Railway Labor Act.
This law was established in 1926 and later extended to include airlines in 1936. The National Mediation Board oversees its implementation to prevent disruptions to interstate commerce.
Experts emphasize that travelers need not be concerned about this potentially impacting their travel arrangements in the near future.
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