Negotiations History
(7.19.24) We are pleased to announce that after negotiating this week in Phoenix, we have secured a Tentative Agreement that addresses our concerns on critical areas of compensation, retroactive pay, contractual improvements, and preserving our hard-won work rules.
Per the APFA Constitution and Policy Manual, we are convening a briefing of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee next Wednesday, July 24th, to review the Tentative Agreement. We will not be releasing further details until after that meeting.
LAST UPDATED FEBRUARY 2024
Q&A: National Mediation Board (NMB) & Railway Labor Act (RLA)
The NMB is a U.S. government agency responsible for mediating labor disputes in the airline and railway industries. It plays a key role in facilitating negotiations between labor unions and airline management.
The federal mediator initially works with both parties to encourage dialogue and find common ground. The mediator does not have the authority to impose a settlement but aims to assist the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement. A request for release to the NMB is made by a labor union when negotiations with an airline reach an impasse. The request for a release is the union making the argument to the NMB that we are at impasse and should be released to strike. The decision however is up to the NMB.
If the NMB grants the release, a 30-day "cooling-off" period begins. During this period, a federal mediator from the NMB assists in negotiations. If an agreement is reached, it is subject to ratification by the Union members. If no agreement is reached, the process may proceed to further stages, including the possibility of self-help measures after the end of the cooling-off period.
If the NMB denies the release, the parties remain in mediation, and negotiations continues. If the company does not change its position, we will keep pushing for our statutory right to strike.
Related Hotlines:
3.19.24 - Negotiations Update #51: Mediated Negotiations Continue
3.15.24 - Negotiations Update #50: National Mediation Board Status Conference Update
1.25.24 – Negotiations Update #48: NMB Status Conference
1.19.24 – Negotiations Update #47: Mediation Release Request
11.28.23 – Negotiations Update #42: NMB Denies Request for Release
Yes, we have scheduled negotiations dates April 9 - 11 and April 30 - May 2.
The NMB reviews the request and, if granted, initiates a 30-day "cooling-off" period. Federal mediators, from the NMB, have already been assigned to assist in facilitating negotiations between the Union and the airline.
Related Hotlines:
3.19.24 - Negotiations Update #51: Mediated Negotiations Continue
3.15.24 - Negotiations Update #50: National Mediation Board Status Conference Update
1.25.24 – Negotiations Update #48: NMB Status Conference
1.19.24 – Negotiations Update #47: Mediation Release Request
11.28.23 – Negotiations Update #42: NMB Denies Request for Release
11.20.23 – Negotiations Update #40: Mediation Release Request, Next Steps and Frequently Asked Questions
We anticipate continuing negotiations while we wait to hear back from the NMB, and it is possible that we could reach an agreement with management. However, this is not likely, given management's lack of movement at recent negotiation sessions.
The timeline can vary and there is no set duration. It depends on factors such as the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. The process may involve several stages including mediation, a cooling-off period, and the potential involvement of a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB).
As you will notice, the letter requests a “proffer of arbitration” which is the actual wording the Railway Labor Act uses. Under the RLA, the Board proffers arbitration to both parties and when it is rejected that releases the parties into a thirty-day cooling off period. We, of course, have zero interest in arbitrating our contract and believe we need a strike deadline to force the company to settle this dispute.
Under the Railway Labor Act, once we are in mediation the NMB sets the timing and location of negotiations. Additionally, the ball is in the Company’s court so they can settle this contract at any point by passing a proposal which meets our needs.
No, we can only participate in a job action against the company after the 30-day cooling-off period has expired. Any job action prior would be considered illegal, and involved employees would face discipline and the Union could be held liable for any financial impact to the company. It is important to follow the direction of the Union during this critical time. Read Negotiations Update #28: Illegal Self-Help Tactics for more information
Under the RLA, we must request a "proffer for arbitration." However, one or both parties can agree to the arbitration request, which would begin a 30-day cooling off period. APFA has no intention of agreeing to binding arbitration.
Flight Attendants fall under the RLA because the RLA covers employees engaged in the transportation industry, including airlines.
Most private sector workers are covered under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Under the NLRA workers are able to strike once the contract expires. So recently auto workers and Hollywood actors and writers were able to strike without permission of the government. Airline and rail workers are governed by the RLA which has additional hoops we must go through before exercising our right to strike.
Negotiations Process Videos
APFA Requests Release from NMB
Why Do Negotiations Take So Long?
Federal Mediation Begins
The Importance of Being Dues Current
Securing the Contract We Have Earned
99.47% of participating Flight Attendants voted yes to authorize a strike!
“Today, we sent a clear message to American Airlines management: We are fired up and ready for a contract. They ignore this strike vote at their peril. Our contributions to the success of American Airlines must be recognized and respected.”
— APFA National President Julie Hedrick
Management now sees 26,000+ of us standing behind our Negotiating Committee. Thank you for taking the time to vote. Thank you to our fellow American employees and Union Siblings across airlines, occupations, and industries who joined our picket lines today. The #SolidaritySummer continues!
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Negotiations Town Hall Videos
Negotiations Hotlines
8.30.24 – 2024 Tentative Agreement Update #11: Questions From the Road Part III
Friday, August 30, 2024 2024 Tentative Agreement Update #11 Questions From the Road- Part III In this hotline: Frequently Asked Questions, including: Moving through the pay scale New Flex/Golden day…
Continue Reading7.31.24 – 2024 Tentative Agreement Update #2: Boarding Pay
One of the questions we receive is, “Why can’t we just take the boarding pay as regular wages?” First, that is not what was negotiated. Flight Attendants provided clear direction that securing boarding pay was a priority in this contract.
Continue Reading7.28.24 – 2024 Tentative Agreement Update: Total Economic Value
When we negotiate contracts, we negotiate against the company regarding the total economic value. Our goal is to get the most money in Flight Attendants’ paychecks while the company focuses on the overall cost.
Continue Reading7.27.24 – 2024 Tentative Agreement: Virtual Town Hall Next Week
On Wednesday, July 31, from 12:30 PM until 3:30 PM (CT), your APFA Negotiating Committee will host a virtual town hall to review the recently released 2024 Tentative Agreement. Login instructions will be sent out next week.
Continue Reading7.24.24 – Verify Your Address on File With APFA
To ensure that we have your correct address for mailing the 2024 Tentative Agreement Booklets, please take a moment to verify your address on file with APFA.
Continue Reading7.20.24 – 2024 Tentative Agreement Call Center
The APFA Strike Command Center officially concluded its operations yesterday at 5 p.m. (CT). After next week’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee briefing, we will announce the opening of the 2024 Tentative Agreement Call Center.
Continue Reading7.19.24 – Flight Attendant Union and American Airlines Reach Tentative Contract Agreement
EULESS, TX– (July 19, 2024) – Today, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and American Airlines reached a tentative contract agreement after a final week of bargaining.
Continue Reading7.19.24 – Negotiations Update #67: Tentative Agreement Reached
We are pleased to announce that after negotiating this week in Phoenix, we have secured a Tentative Agreement that addresses our concerns on critical areas of compensation, retroactive pay, contractual improvements, and preserving our hard-won work rules.
Continue ReadingFriday, August 30, 2024 2024 Tentative Agreement Update #11 Questions From the Road- Part III In this hotline: Frequently Asked Questions, including: Moving through the pay scale New Flex/Golden day Reserve restoration option Boarding Pay implementation…
Continue ReadingOne of the questions we receive is, “Why can’t we just take the boarding pay as regular wages?” First, that is not what was negotiated. Flight Attendants provided clear direction that securing boarding pay was a priority in this contract.
Continue ReadingWhen we negotiate contracts, we negotiate against the company regarding the total economic value. Our goal is to get the most money in Flight Attendants’ paychecks while the company focuses on the overall cost.
Continue ReadingNegotiating Committee
Negotiations Attorney
Joe Burns
Chairperson
Julie Hedrick
APFA National President
LAX
Negotiator 1
Reese Cole
ORD
Negotiator 2
Susan Wroble
ORD
Negotiator 3
Kelly J. Hagan
ORD
Negotiator 4
Timothy Legeros
MIA
Negotiator 5
Brian Morgan
PHL
Negotiator 6
Wendy Oswald
LAX