American Airlines flight attendants are making their voices heard loud and clear. A whopping 99.47% of them, who are part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have voted in favor of a strike if their demands aren’t met. This comes after years of what they describe as insufficient improvements in pay and working conditions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Demands on the Table
The APFA has been pretty straightforward about what they want. They’re asking for an immediate 35% increase in working income, along with a 6% annual raise. But that’s not all. They also want boarding pay, extra bonuses for international flights, and more money for working in premium cabins. APFA National President Julie Hedrick stated, “Today, we sent a clear message to American Airlines management: We are fired up and ready for a contract. They ignore this strike vote at their peril. Our contributions to the success of American Airlines must be recognized and respected.”
A Long Time Coming
This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Negotiations between the APFA and American Airlines started even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But since the world started opening up again, no significant agreement has been reached. The APFA has been clear: “If management continues proposing concessions coupled with meager improvements to compensation and retirement, we will not hesitate to request a release to strike if necessary.”
The Bigger Picture
This vote isn’t just about American Airlines flight attendants. It’s a sign that cabin crew members are demanding better treatment across the board. Pilots and airlines have had several rounds of negotiations that led to better pay and working conditions. Now, it’s time for flight attendants to get the same kind of attention. With over 26,000 crew members standing with the APFA, it’s a strong message that can’t be ignored.
The ball is now in American Airlines’ court. Will they listen or risk a strike that could disrupt their operations? Only time will tell.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
