AC AA LA FA
Veteran
DALLAS – While progress has been made on minor issues toward a contract, the Association of
Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and American Airlines (AMR) will file jointly today for
federal mediation.
APFA decided to file for mediation when it was reported the final contract offer on the table
from AMR to the Transport Workers Union had no guaranteed structural pay raises, substantial
increases for contributions for retiree health benefits and the elimination of virtually all
retirement benefits for new hires.
“There is no way Flight Attendants will agree to a contract with no significant pay raises for
almost 10 years, and at the same time that AMR’s top executives continue to reward themselves
with huge bonuses -- $336 million over the past three years,†said APFA President Laura Glading.
“This is just not acceptable. Flight Attendants have made difficult sacrifices to keep this airline
flying and deserve a fair and just contract. We will not consider further concessions.
“We recognize the impact the economic downturn has had on the airline industry, just as we
recognize the positive effect of falling jet fuel prices,†Glading continued. “The company is
refusing to recognize the commitment, dedication, and sacrifices Flight Attendants have made for
this airline.â€
APFA has been in negotiations with the carrier since May. The Union is seeking to recoup pay
and benefit cuts it agreed to in 2003 to help American stave off bankruptcy. American Flight
Attendants’ pay and benefits have been reduced by 25 percent and their workload has increased
by 47 percent (the most of any airline), meaning less time with their families.
“If mediation does not work, Flight Attendants are ready and willing to take all necessary steps to
win a fair agreement,†Glading continued. “With an Administration friendly to workers coming
into office next month, it just might be a reality.â€
With this application, APFA, TWU and the Allied Pilots Association at American are all in federal
mediation.
Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and American Airlines (AMR) will file jointly today for
federal mediation.
APFA decided to file for mediation when it was reported the final contract offer on the table
from AMR to the Transport Workers Union had no guaranteed structural pay raises, substantial
increases for contributions for retiree health benefits and the elimination of virtually all
retirement benefits for new hires.
“There is no way Flight Attendants will agree to a contract with no significant pay raises for
almost 10 years, and at the same time that AMR’s top executives continue to reward themselves
with huge bonuses -- $336 million over the past three years,†said APFA President Laura Glading.
“This is just not acceptable. Flight Attendants have made difficult sacrifices to keep this airline
flying and deserve a fair and just contract. We will not consider further concessions.
“We recognize the impact the economic downturn has had on the airline industry, just as we
recognize the positive effect of falling jet fuel prices,†Glading continued. “The company is
refusing to recognize the commitment, dedication, and sacrifices Flight Attendants have made for
this airline.â€
APFA has been in negotiations with the carrier since May. The Union is seeking to recoup pay
and benefit cuts it agreed to in 2003 to help American stave off bankruptcy. American Flight
Attendants’ pay and benefits have been reduced by 25 percent and their workload has increased
by 47 percent (the most of any airline), meaning less time with their families.
“If mediation does not work, Flight Attendants are ready and willing to take all necessary steps to
win a fair agreement,†Glading continued. “With an Administration friendly to workers coming
into office next month, it just might be a reality.â€
With this application, APFA, TWU and the Allied Pilots Association at American are all in federal
mediation.