Karen S. Kim
AIRPORT DISTRICT -- The Assn. of Professional Flight Attendants sent
strike ballots to its membership of 23,000 American Airlines employees
Jan. 22, asking members to vote whether to strike. The ballots will be
counted Feb. 21.
The union has been in negotiations with American Airlines for a new
contract since March and began mediation, working through the National
Mediation Board, in the fall.
American Airlines flight attendants conducted an informational picket
Jan. 19 at more than 50 airports, including the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena
Airport. The picketing was a reaction to the mediation board tabling
talks in December.
The flight attendants' main concerns for the new contract include an
increase in pay, a new retirement plan and scheduling issues. In
addition, the flight attendants want compensation for their time waiting
for canceled or delayed flights.
After the Jan. 19 picket, the National Mediation Board notified the
flight attendants' union and American Airlines that mediation would begin
again in the near future. Both parties are waiting for the board to
schedule a date to reopen talks.
