American Airlines faces opposition from LAX base president over new flight attendant contract

The President of the American Airlines Los Angeles flight attendants base has opposed ratifying the new contract, citing several unaddressed priorities in negotiations. Any agreed-upon contract will need to be lived with for up to a decade due to prolonged negotiation periods once contracts become amendable.

Concerns include no improvements in the reserve system, limitations on transferring bases, lack of snap-up provisions compared to Delta and United's upcoming contracts, deferred implementation of improvements without penalties for delays or violations, and boarding pay reducing hourly wage increases.

The union did not negotiate a return to pre-pandemic staffing levels for widebody aircraft despite increased service levels. There is significant dissatisfaction among flight attendants regarding various aspects of the new contract negotiated by their union with American Airlines. The last time cabin crew voted on a contract, it was rejected. Despite efforts by the union to promote it, membership remains divided with notable opposition from influential figures like the LAX base president.