8.31.23 – Negotiations Update #31: Sending a Powerful Message

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Sending a Powerful Message

Clockwise from top L: LGA, ORD, CLT.

Yesterday, we made it clear to American management that we are fired up, unified, and standing together for a contract with significant improvements to compensation, retirement, scheduling flexibility, and more. This strong strike authorization vote is a powerful tool necessary to reach an agreement.

An incredible 99.47% of Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call a strike if and when necessary. This gives our Negotiating Committee needed momentum at the bargaining table. Mediated talks continue next week, and we expect to see considerable movement on key issues.

Members of management are not the only ones noticing our solidarity. Elected officials joined our picket lines across the country to support our fight. Media reports across the country tell our story. Our Union Siblings from across the airline industry and occupations joined our picket lines and committed to walk with us until we receive an offer worthy of ratification.

Clockwise from top L: MIA, PHX, and PHL. 

We Are Ready for a contract and will do what it takes to secure our economic future. We have built a powerful campaign with the media, government officials, and the flying public. They acknowledge this is a major dispute.

Our concerns must be addressed.

The fight is not over; in fact, it is just beginning. We expect a significant battle to obtain the contract we’ve earned, and we need to harness the momentum to bring these negotiations over the finish line.

What’s Next?

Mediated talks continue next week in DFW. We are expecting an economic proposal from the company. We have two weeks of mediation scheduled in September and more weeks scheduled through the end of the year.

Although we have secured a successful strike authorization vote, we cannot strike until we are released into a thirty-day cooling-off period by the National Mediation Board. As we have discussed previously, it is important that all Flight Attendants stick with the plan and not call for any unauthorized actions, including sick-outs, refusals to pick up open time, etc.

Clockwise from top L: BOS, DCA, and LAX.

Continue to wear your read WAR pin and red lanyard throughout the negotiation process. Management knows we are unified, and that gives us power at the bargaining table. 

DFW

Thank you for showing up at the picket, wearing your red WAR pin and lanyard, and for the incredible strike authorization vote! Stay informed and engaged as we continue down the path toward a contract.

In Solidarity,

Your APFA Negotiating Committee

Reese Cole
Kelly J. Hagan
Julie Hedrick
Timothy Legeros
Brian Morgan
Wendy Oswald
Susan Wroble
Joe Burns, Lead Negotiating Attorney

[email protected]