Flight Attendants at the New American Airlines Begin Negotiations as Record Profits Announced
Washington, DC – As record breaking profits for the new American Airlines were announced earlier today, Flight Attendants represented by Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (US Airways) and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (American) together met with management to submit an opening proposal for a single contract covering the combined workgroup. Today’s negotiations were part of an agreement ratified in February 2014 that outlined a specific process in which a single contract would be reached.
“Flight Attendants are ready to take full advantage of the benefits of the US Airways/American merger. Our contributions have helped create an efficient combination of our airlines and we look forward to improvements afforded through the largest network in the world. By using the combined strength and resources of our two unions, we are prepared to negotiate the best contract at the world’s biggest airline,” said Roger Holmin, AFA US Airways President.
Beginning today, negotiations will continue for the next 150 days with an intensive schedule in order to reach an agreement on a combined contract. With the assistance of the National Mediation Board and other expedited bargaining methods, it is expected that a new agreement will be in place by early 2015.
“What’s good news for American is great news for Flight Attendants. As the face of this airline, we will continue to work hard to make the company a success. [American CEO] Doug Parker knows that, and I feel confident that we’ll reach an agreement that recognizes the Flight Attendants’ contribution and commitment to the new American,” said APFA President Laura Glading.
The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 68 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.
