American Airlines flight attendants ratify contract that ends their threats to go on strike

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.

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