Flight Attendants and American Airlines Back at Bargaining Table

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/12747

Submitted by Jesse Russell on January 13, 2010 - 3:52pm
Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionSend to friendSend to friend

Flight attendants for American Airlines are back at the bargaining table with the company with the threat of a possible strike being floated by the President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. The two sides are in the middle of a lockdown negotiation and President Laura Glading told members on Monday that if an agreement can’t be reached the union will go to the National Mediation board and ask for a release. If either side declines to go into binding arbitration the union would seek the power to call a strike from members.

[spartan61]

1. The AA flight attendants took a huge cut in wages,

work rules, and vacations, among other concessions, to help keep the airline out of bankruptcy. Not sure exactly the year but I think it was in 2003. Their concessions did not have a "snap back" so they have never been given back any of the things they gave up for the airline. Since then,CEO Arpy and other top management has made sure to give themselves big bonuses every year, even when the airline has lost millions of dollars. This is suppose to help AA keep their "top talent." Where would this "top talent" go if they didn't get their pay offs? Who is hiring? Apparently the "top talent" from AA hasn't yet figured out how to make money for the airline. I wish the flight attendants the very best in their negotiations. It is time they get back all or part of what they gave up to help AA. Back in 1993, the APFA was the "little union that could" when they went on strike. It's time for them to show AA that they can do it again. Good Luck!!