The CEO of American Airlines confirmed a pay raise for thousands of workers.
The 17% increase comes after three years of negotiations.
American Airlines flight attendants will receive a 17% pay raise, 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 lot of work to do” in negotiating new contracts.
The pay increase affects 23,000 American Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA).
The union previously called on workers to prepare for strike after wage negotiations failed in May.
Flight attendants say they haven’t received a pay raise in five years.
Originally, APFA came to the table seeking a 33% increase.
It states that a 17% increase “would continue to fall far short of responding to the current economic environment”.
The union also highlighted the difficulties experienced during the pandemic and the efforts made to enforce mask policies on planes.
“It’s past time for management to recognize 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 not backing down or settling for less than we earn.”
The starting salary for an American Airlines flight attendant is just $27,000 a year, according to Fortune.
In some states, this amount is low enough to qualify for food stamps.
It is past time for management to recognize our contributions to the airline, address the new industry standard and compensate us fairly
Julie Hedrick, head of American’s flight attendants union.
PAYING
American Airlines isn’t the only major company offering 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 can be eligible for the extra money, but they must have worked at the store for at least a year.
This new annual bonus program will reward employees based on how many years they stay with the company.
These bonuses will increase the longer an hourly employee works at the company, up to $1,000.
Walmart also committed to increasing the chain’s minimum wage from $12 to $14.
And get tips from a recruiter on how to get a pay raise or a new job.
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