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American Airlines flight attendants have approved a new five-year labor deal, bringing an end to a contentious contract negotiation. The agreement includes raises of up to 20.5% for cabin crews starting in October. The union announced that 87% of the flight attendants who voted approved the contract. Julie Hedrick, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, expressed satisfaction with the new deal, which also includes retroactive pay. Flight attendants at American Airlines are the largest unionized work group at the airline.

The contract agreement comes as a relief for American Airlines, as there was a threat of a strike if a deal could not be reached. Government officials, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Labor Secretary Julie Su, were involved in the negotiations overseen by the National Mediation Board. The airline industry as a whole has been under pressure to reach agreements, with over 160 lawmakers pushing for deals to be made.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom celebrated the agreement, emphasizing the importance of reaching a deal with flight attendants. Workers in the airline industry have been advocating for better pay and improved work conditions, especially in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and rising living costs.

Meanwhile, United Airlines and its flight attendants’ union are still in negotiations for a new contract, while Alaska Airlines recently saw its cabin crew members reject a tentative labor deal. Other industries have also seen workers securing higher pay through new contracts, sometimes following strikes.

In a separate development, Boeing workers are voting on a new contract that includes 25% raises. The outcome of the vote will determine whether a potential strike could occur at the company.

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