American Air offers flight attendants immediate 17% pay hike

American Airlines Group Inc. has offered flight attendants an immediate 17% pay raise and increased profit sharing, an unusual move amid contentious contract talks.

The offer was delivered to flight attendants Wednesday, according to the company. It’s separate from pay increases being discussed during contract negotiations, and the union would have to agree to the change, American said. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants said its board would discuss the offer.

A unilateral proposal to boost pay for union workers is unusual in the airline industry, but the move echoes one made by American in 2017 when it increased wages mid-contract for both pilots and flight attendants to help soothe strained labor relations. Negotiations between American and the union have stalled over compensation and scheduling rules, the APFA has said.

“I don’t know how long it will take to get to the finish line, and I don’t want another day to go by without increasing your pay,” American Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom said in a video message to flight attendants. The offer “does not replace our commitment to get the deal done as soon as possible.”

If approved by the union, the raise would retroactively take effect June 1, according to the APFA.

Resuming Talks

The two sides are set to resume talks on June 10 after failing to reach an agreement after more than a week of negotiations. The flight attendants’ last raise was in 2019.

“We have made progress in a number of key areas, but there’s still a good deal of work to be done,” Isom said of the talks.

The APFA has told its members to prepare for a strike, although any walkout has to be authorized by the National Mediation Board, which is overseeing negotiations. 

“APFA and the company are meeting next week, and management should focus on reaching a deal,” APFA told its members in a message. The airline took its offer directly to flight attendants Wednesday, after proposing it to the union on Tuesday, it said.

“We believe that AA management underestimated the determination and resolve of flight attendants to achieve the contract we deserve,” the union said.