THE CEO of American Airlines has confirmed a wage increase for thousands of workers.
The 17% hike comes after three years of negotiations.
2
2
Flight attendants for American Airlines will get a 17% wage increase, the airline confirmed Wednesday.
The world’s biggest airline offered the change along with a new profit-sharing formula as labor contract negotiations continue.
“We are committed to reaching a new agreement, and now is the time to make a deal,” said CEO Robert Isom.
However, he added that there is “still a good deal of work to be done” in negotiating the new contracts.
The wage increase affects 23,000 American Airlines flight attendants, whom are represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA).
The union previously asked workers to prepare for a strike after pay negotiations in May broke down.
Flight attendants say they haven’t received a pay rise in five years.
Originally, APFA came to the table looking for a 33% increase.
It maintains that an increase of 17% would “continue to fall far short of addressing the current economic environment.”
The union also pointed to the hardships experienced during the pandemic and the efforts made enforcing mask policies on planes.
“It is way past time for management to acknowledge our contributions to the airline, address the new industry standard and compensate us fairly,” said Julie Hedrick, head of American’s flight attendants union.
“We are neither backing down nor settling for less than we’ve earned.”
The starting salary for an American Airlines flight attendant is as low as $27,000 a year, according to Fortune.
In some states, that is low enough to qualify for food stamps.
It is way past time for management to acknowledge our contributions to the airline, address the new industry standard and compensate us fairly
Julie Hedrick, head of American’s flight attendants union.
PAYING UP
American Airlines is not the only major corporation giving workers more pay.
Walmart will reward many of its employees for their work and loyalty with a $1,000 bonus, CEO John Furner confirmed this week.
Both full-time and part-time associates could be entitled to the extra cash but they must have worked at the store for at least one year.
This new annual bonus program will reward employees based on how many years they stick with the company.
These bonuses will increase the longer an hourly employee works with the company, up to $1,000.
Walmart has also pledged to raise the chain’s minimum wage from $12 to $14.
And see a recruiter’s tips on how to get a pay rise or a new job.