The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the union representing American Airlines' flight attendants, has warned its members to brace for a potential strike, a move that could disrupt summer travel plans for many Americans.
The APFA issued this warning after more than a week of unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a new labor contract with American Airlines. The National Mediation Board (NMB), the government body overseeing labor relations for railroads and airlines, had previously stated that it would cease formal discussions between the two parties if an agreement was not reached by the end of May. However, according to Bloomberg, the NMB is likely to extend this deadline, pushing the potential strike into the summer months.
In a late Friday announcement to its members, the union stated, While these delays are frustrating, we also know that the companys ability to stall these negotiations is rapidly reaching an end. All flight attendants need to prepare for a strike.
If the NMB concludes that further discussions are futile, it can release both parties. Following a 30-day waiting period, a strike could then occur. The Railway Labor Act maintains the existing contract during negotiations and prohibits the union from initiating its own strike plans without approval.
The APFA's contract dispute with American Airlines is part of a larger movement by approximately 80,000 flight attendants to secure a new labor agreement at several airlines, including United, Alaska, and Frontier, as reported by Reuters. In May, over 160 lawmakers penned a letter to the NMB, urging it to facilitate progress in coordinating a deal between the union and the airlines. They warned that widespread strikes could potentially halt the industry.
The contracts under dispute encompass a range of issues, including sick leave, scheduling, vacations, and expenses. In September, the APFA initially demanded a 35% wage increase upon signing the agreement, while management proposed an 11% raise.
American Airlines has yet to respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation. The APFA, on the other hand, referred to the message sent to union members.
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