Flight Attendants at American Airlines Seek Strike Authorization; Southwest Pilots May Follow

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FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) —

In a significant labor movement, American Airlines flight attendants are seeking approval from federal authorities to initiate a strike, potentially disrupting the busy holiday travel period. However, the airline has firmly stated that a strike during the festive season is out of the question.

Union leaders representing the flight attendants have expressed their dissatisfaction with the stalled contract negotiations, highlighting that the workers have not received a pay raise since 2019.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants has formally requested the National Mediation Board to recognize the negotiation deadlock and authorize a strike after a mandated 30-day cooling-off period.

In a parallel development, Southwest pilots have established a “strike center” in Dallas. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association has indicated their intention to seek strike authorization if contract negotiations with the airline do not conclude soon.

A countdown clock in the union’s headquarters is set for a possible strike on December 29. However, the likelihood of a strike by either union is uncertain due to the stringent federal laws governing airline labor actions. Strikes and lockouts can only occur if federal mediators declare an impasse, and even then, intervention from the President or Congress can prevent a strike to protect the economy.

American Airlines has countered the flight attendants’ union’s assertion of stalled negotiations, claiming they have been proposing an industry-leading economic package for months, and are making progress on other contractual aspects.

American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, is committed to collaborating with the union and the National Mediation Board to reach an agreement. The airline assured that there is no risk of a strike during Thanksgiving or the December holidays.

The flight attendants’ union demands a 35% immediate raise, followed by 6% annual increases over three years. American’s offer includes an 11% initial raise, which they claim amounts to 18% when considering higher pay during boarding, plus 2% annual increases. The union is also seeking enhanced 401(k) contributions and more rest time.

American’s pilots recently achieved over 40% salary increases over four years, leading to feelings of inequality among the flight attendants.

Another key issue for Southwest pilots revolves around scheduling and compensation for flights lacking a crew. The Southwest pilots’ union had previously unsuccessfully sought strike permission earlier in the year. With another bargaining session planned for late November, the union’s second vice president emphasized the need for a resolution by the end of the month to avoid a strike.

Southwest Airlines, based in Dallas, remains hopeful of reaching a competitive contract for their pilots, continuing negotiations.

Both the American flight attendants and Southwest pilots are buoyed by recent successes in labor negotiations across various industries. Examples include the United Auto Workers’ gains from a six-week strike, improved compensation for screen and TV writers and actors, and significant pay raises for United Parcel Service workers secured by the Teamsters.

In Texas, several American Airlines flight attendants demonstrated outside the company’s headquarters, signaling readiness to strike, and were met with supportive honks from passing drivers.

Union official Harris cited these developments as a source of hope and inspiration for the broader labor movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Airline Strikes

More about Airline Strikes

• American Airlines Flight Attendants Seek Strike Approval
• Southwest Pilots Consider Strike Actions
• Federal Laws Governing Airline Strikes
• Recent Labor Movements in Various Industries