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American Airlines flight attendants consider rejecting record raises

American Airlines flight attendants consider rejecting record raises
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Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

American Airlines flight attendants have a lucrative new tentative agreement that they will be asked to vote on.

The agreement includes immediate raises of 18% to 20.5%, half pay during boarding for the first time, and Delta’s profit-sharing formula. It also features changes to work rules, meal costs on the road, and retirement contributions. Despite these improvements, online discussions reveal dissatisfaction among flight attendants.

They are expressing their intent to reject the deal, citing concerns that it is not as generous as the pilot agreement and does not adequately compensate for the lengthy negotiation period and strike threats. Rumors suggest an increased workload in cleaning cabins between flights, although this is disputed by identical language in both current and proposed agreements.

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Flight attendants mistakenly believe they are not receiving compensation for lost raises during negotiations. This misinformation mirrors past misunderstandings when US Airways took over American Airlines, leading unions to agree to binding arbitration which ultimately resulted in less favorable terms than initially negotiated.

Online commentary from flight attendants on various platforms remains negative towards the deal. However, some believe it will eventually pass due to incentives such as full retroactive pay and substantial one-time checks for senior cabin crew members.

Under this deal, American Airlines flight attendants would receive industry-leading pay rates, boarding pay, improved expenses and premium position pay, along with greater retirement contributions. Despite these benefits, they will not receive Delta’s profit-sharing payouts due to American's lower profitability.

The union faces challenges convincing members to accept a five-year deal amidst expectations of future raises from competitors like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The proposal heavily favors senior flight attendants with higher percentage raises compared to junior staff.

Union leadership has faced criticism for setting unrealistic expectations about potential pay increases. The political landscape further complicates matters with potential shifts in power at the National Mediation Board depending on upcoming elections.

APFA President Julie Hedrick's more militant approach contrasts with her predecessor Laura Glading’s collaborative stance during US Airways' takeover of American Airlines. The outcome of this vote could hinge on whether senior crew push through the deal or if junior staff find enough value in immediate benefits like boarding pay.

Rejection of this deal would prolong negotiations without reaching an impasse allowing a strike under federal regulations. Flight attendants have already turned down an interim 17% raise offer while talks continue.

Waiting could align them with better deals from other airlines but also risks economic downturns affecting American Airlines’ financial stability.

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