6.17.25 – APFA DFW Base Brief – Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Hello DFW,

On May 14, 2025, American Airlines reinstated the second beverage service on domestic flights over 1,500 miles and expanded service on international routes. This operational change was implemented without prior collaboration, without the restoration of staffing levels previously cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with less than 24 hours’ notice to Flight Attendants or APFA.

The APFA DFW Base President Robin Reitz, formally challenged this decision by filing a Notice of Dispute (NOD) against the Company’s unilateral action.

The NOD references sworn testimony from Brady Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Inflight and Premium Guest Services, who stated in arbitration in April 2024:

“We have no intentions of changing our current service footprint. So said differently, temporary is permanent.”

The Company’s sudden reversal of this position, without engaging in dialogue or adding a single additional crew member, places an unacceptable strain on Flight Attendants and disregards operational integrity.

We are demanding the immediate restoration of all staffing positions eliminated as of October 1, 2020. Additionally, we are seeking appropriate compensation in the form of understaffing pay for all affected Flight Attendants who have operated flights under these conditions beginning May 14, 2025, until staffing is properly restored.

This is not simply a service issue, it is a matter of professional respect, safety, and the protection of our rights. The DFW Base will continue to advocate firmly and without compromise on behalf of our members. We remain united, prepared, and committed to standing up when Flight Attendants are forced to carry more with less.

We see you. We hear you. And we will always fight for you.

In Unity,

Robin Reitz
APFA DFW Base President

Luis Vasquez
APFA DFW Base Vice President

APFA DFW Base Council Reps