American Airlines may probably have to gear up to face the first strike in 15 years. The airline’s flight attendants who were seeking a pay hike have rejected the 17 per cent increment that was offered to them.
According to the labour union that represents the flight attendants, the increment is inadequate to deal with inflation, and there has been no raise since before the pandemic. That means, there is a likelihood of the attendants going on strike.
Negotiations have been on between American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). Some of these attendants reportedly admit to fighting for airplane meals so that they can save some money. They feel the increment offered by Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines, will barely push the new flight attendants of Boston and Miami beyond food stamp eligibility.
While making the 17 per cent hike offer, Isom clarified that the airline is not expecting anything from the union in return, and assured that the increment will come into effect immediately. However, the APFA rejected the offer, calling it a mere PR stunt.
The flight attendants are disappointed with the extraordinarily poor pay and the low food allowance given to them on trips. As per media reports, attendants on international flights are paid $2.50 an hour for food, which is far below what other airlines pay their flight attendants. More importantly, food itself costs a lot more.