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.
The deal covers about 28,000 attendants at American, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas. The union said 87% of its members who voted favored ratification, and 95% of eligible employees took part.
American negotiated a new contract with pilots last year. CEO Robert Isom said getting a deal done with flight attendants was a top priority.
American Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify Historic Contract, Ending Long-Standing Dispute
In a significant development for the airline industry, flight attendants at American Airlines ratified a new contract on Thursday, ending a prolonged labor dispute that even captured the attention of President Joe Biden. This five-year agreement, which the Association of Professional Flight Attendants negotiated, brings long-awaited benefits and pay increases to the approximately 28,000 flight attendants working for the airline.
The new contract comes with a substantial pay raise for American’s flight attendants, with increases up to 20.5% starting from October 1, followed by annual raises of 2.75%, 3%, 3%, and 3.5% over the next four years. This is a landmark contract for the attendants, reflecting their demands for better compensation and working conditions after years of negotiations.
One of the most noteworthy provisions in the contract is the introduction of pay for boarding time—a significant breakthrough in an industry where U.S. flight attendants have historically not been compensated for the time they spend getting passengers onto the plane. Delta Air Lines took the lead in this regard in 2022 by offering 50% pay during boarding for its nonunion flight attendants, putting pressure on unionized workforces at other major airlines to fight for similar benefits.
American Airlines flight attendants had made it clear that boarding pay was a critical issue for them. Cabin crews are often responsible for managing passenger boarding, ensuring safety, and answering questions—work that has traditionally gone unpaid. The new deal, which now compensates them for this time, marks a significant win for the attendants, making it one of the highlights of the new contract.
The overwhelming support for the contract from the union members is telling: 87% of the members who voted approved the agreement, and an impressive 95% of eligible employees participated in the vote. Such a high turnout reflects the importance of this deal to the workers, who have been vocal about their frustrations with the company over the years. Union leadership praised the ratification, calling it a step forward in improving the quality of life for flight attendants and recognizing the essential work they do for the airline.
American Airlines, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas, has been working to negotiate new contracts with several of its workforces. Last year, the airline successfully negotiated a contract with its pilots after another tense period of negotiations. CEO Robert Isom had stated that securing a deal with flight attendants was a top priority for the company, signaling the critical role they play in the airline’s operations and customer service.
Flight attendants have long been fighting for better compensation and recognition of the work they do. For years, the industry has relied on their unpaid labor during boarding, which can be a stressful and demanding part of their job. As the first point of contact for passengers, flight attendants are tasked with ensuring that the boarding process runs smoothly, dealing with customer requests, and maintaining order—all while remaining calm under pressure. The addition of boarding pay acknowledges this important aspect of their role.
The new contract comes at a time when labor negotiations in the airline industry have been under increased scrutiny. Workers across different sectors of the industry, including pilots, maintenance crews, and ground staff, have been demanding better pay and conditions amid record profits for airlines. American Airlines, like many other major carriers, saw a strong financial rebound after the pandemic, with demand for air travel skyrocketing in recent years. However, labor tensions have remained a persistent issue, as many workers felt they were not sharing in the airline’s success.
For flight attendants, the ratified contract is a hard-fought victory that brings immediate financial benefits and sets the stage for future improvements. The pay increases are substantial, especially considering the stagnant wages that many flight attendants have faced over the years. The agreement also provides a framework for steady pay growth over the next few years, ensuring that the cabin crews’ compensation keeps pace with inflation and industry standards.
President Biden’s attention to the labor dispute underscored its significance. His administration has made labor rights a key focus, particularly in industries like aviation, where workers have been pushing for better contracts. Biden has been vocal in his support for unionized workers, and his administration’s involvement in the American Airlines dispute highlights the broader push for improved labor conditions across the country.
With the ratification of this new contract, American Airlines’ flight attendants have secured a much-needed victory. It not only addresses their immediate concerns over pay but also marks a shift in how their work is valued by the airline. For the thousands of flight attendants who ensure the safety and comfort of passengers every day, this deal is a major milestone in their ongoing fight for better wages, working conditions, and respect within the airline industry.
As the airline moves forward, this agreement could set a precedent for other airlines and industries, as more workers seek to address longstanding grievances over unpaid labor and low wages.