NEW YORK- On Monday afternoon, flight attendants at American Airlines (AA) are set to conduct a demonstration on Wall Street in New York City, expressing their dissatisfaction with prolonged contract negotiations. This protest coincides with the carrier’s annual investor day.
Despite repeated requests from crew members at the Dallas-based airline to go on strike due to the lack of progress in pay talks, the independent National Mediation Board, responsible for authorizing a release to strike, is currently withholding its decision.
American Airlines Attendants Protest
In the interim, flight attendants are intensifying the pressure on American Airlines’ management to expedite a resolution by urging a substantial increase in the pay offer, which currently stands at 11% over a four-year contract.
Although the most recent protest was intended to be confidential, as View From The Wing disclosed, flight attendants in the New York region are being urged to attend Wall Street wearing their uniforms for a demonstration outside the New York Stock Exchange.
American Airlines flight attendants have not seen an increase in pay since 2019, and with ongoing contract negotiations, their salaries will remain static despite the escalating cost of living.
Furthermore, additional support that American Airlines could offer, such as a profit-sharing bonus, has been scarce, with the carrier only willing to provide a 1.1% bonus to flight attendants in 2024.
Difficulty in Finding Middle-Ground
A status update meeting will be scheduled for later this month, and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) will convene with company executives and the National Mediation Board (NMB).
While advancements have occurred in various aspects of the contract, compensation continues to be a contentious issue, with neither party willing to compromise.
The NMB must be persuaded that both sides have thoroughly explored all negotiation possibilities before considering the potential release of flight attendants to strike.
In the initial instance when the union sought permission to strike last year, the NMB promptly denied the request, although the board provided no specific reason.
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