American Airlines Flight Attendants Demand Better Conditions
Flight attendants for American Airlines are staging a series of protests across the United States and Guam to push for improved working conditions and a new collective bargaining agreement that has been delayed by the airline’s management.
The demonstrations, organized by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), are part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the challenges faced by airline employees. They are taking place at major airports such as LaGuardia Airport in New York City, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“American Airlines Flight Attendants are demanding a contract recognizing their sacrifices, addressing the current economic environment, and retroactively compensating them for management delays in negotiations,” the APFA said in a statement.
Flight attendants, who have not seen a pay raise since 2019, are hoping that the protests will pressure American Airlines to prioritize their needs. Representatives from the APFA are currently in Washington, D.C., engaging in bargaining sessions mediated by the federal government.
If an agreement is not reached during these negotiations, the flight attendants could potentially go on strike, disrupting travel plans for many passengers during the busy summer season.
“No matter what uniform we wear, we’ve earned the long-term security, benefits, flexibility, dignity, and respect that come with a strong contract. It’s time for airline management to pay up and get this done,” the union emphasized.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the number of airports where American Airlines flight attendants would be picketing. The correct number is 15 out of the 30 airports where demonstrations are taking place.
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