American Airlines flight attendants ratify contract that ends their threats to go on strike
Flight attendants at American Airlines have approved a new contract after years of negotiations
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Flight attendants at American Airlines voted Thursday to ratify a new contract, ending a long dispute that got the attention of President Joe Biden after the cabin crews threatened to go on strike.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants said that the five-year contract includes pay increases of up to 20.5% on Oct. 1 and annual raises of 2.75%, 3%, 3%, and 3.5% after that.
For the first time, American's flight attendants will also be paid for the time that passengers are boarding planes.
Flight attendants on U.S. airlines have historically not been paid for boarding time. Delta Air Lines extended 50% pay during boarding to its nonunion cabin crews in 2022, putting pressure on unions to bargain for the same benefit for their members.
