Sept 12 (Askume) – American Airlines (AAL.O) flight attendants have approved a new five-year contract with the airline, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said on Thursday .
The union said 95% of eligible flight attendants were surveyed and 87% supported the new policy.
Over the past two years, unions in the aerospace, construction, aviation and rail industries have advocated for higher pay and more benefits amid a tight labor market.
Cabin crew are also urging an end to the industry practice whereby crew members are not compensated for time spent waiting at airports before flights, between flights and during boarding.
“Among many improvements, the contract includes a new seat unit to compensate for longer periods of time between flights and to keep American Airlines flight attendants on board the aircraft,” said Julie Hedrick, APFA national president.
The agreement reached in July provided for an immediate pay rise of up to 20.5% as well as pay arrears during the time for negotiations.
In addition to industry-leading wages, the new labor agreement includes year-round pay increases and addresses many of the quality of life issues flight attendants have been advocating for, the union said.
Contract negotiations began in January 2020 but halted at the peak of the pandemic and resumed in June 2021.
