American Airlines flight attendants have recently ratified a new five-year contract with the airline, with 87% of eligible flight attendants in favor of the deal. The contract includes a new sit rig for compensation for long waits between flights and pay for boarding, making American Airlines Flight Attendants the first unionized workgroup to lock in pay for this time. The agreement, reached in July, provides immediate wage increases of up to 20.5%, along with retroactive pay to address previous negotiations.
In recent years, unions in various industries, including aerospace, construction, airlines, and rail, have been advocating for higher wages and better benefits amidst a tight labor market. Flight attendants, in particular, have been pushing for an end to the industry practice of not compensating crews for time spent during boarding and waiting at the airport between flights. This new contract addresses many quality-of-life issues that flight attendants have been advocating for, in addition to the wage increases.
The contract negotiations with American Airlines began in January 2020 but were paused during the height of the pandemic before resuming in June 2021. The new labor deal not only includes industry-leading wage rates and out-year wage increases but also addresses concerns related to compensation for time spent between flights. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) emphasized the importance of these improvements and the impact they will have on flight attendants’ working conditions and overall quality of life.
With 95% of eligible flight attendants voting on the new contract, the overwhelming majority in favor of the deal underscores the significance of these improvements for flight attendants. The union, APFA, has been instrumental in representing the interests of flight attendants during negotiations and ensuring that their concerns are addressed. By advocating for better compensation and improved working conditions, flight attendants have secured a contract that recognizes their contributions to the airline industry and provides them with fair compensation for their time and efforts.
By ratifying this new contract, American Airlines flight attendants have demonstrated their unity and commitment to improving their working conditions and compensation. The new agreement not only includes immediate wage increases and retroactive pay but also sets a precedent for compensating flight attendants for time spent during boarding and waiting between flights. This milestone highlights the importance of unionized workgroups in advocating for the rights and benefits of employees in the airline industry and beyond.
Overall, the ratification of the new contract by American Airlines flight attendants represents a significant achievement for the union and its members. By addressing longstanding issues related to compensation for time spent between flights and securing industry-leading wage rates, flight attendants have taken a major step towards improving their working conditions and quality of life. The successful negotiations and overwhelming support for the new deal demonstrate the collective power of organized labor in advocating for the rights and well-being of workers in the airline industry and beyond.
