CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Flight attendants are continuing to picket outside of Charlotte Douglas International Airport amid contract negotiations with American Airlines.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) announced Tuesday that union members who work for American will continue to picket at nine flight attendant bases across the country. The APFA said wages have not been boosted in recent years, and have now filed for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board.
"Flight attendants have not received a raise or any cost of living increase in over four years, while the cost of living in our crew bases is skyrocketing," said Julie Hedrick, national president of the APFA, in a statement. "We deserve significant increases in compensation and improvements to how we are scheduled. It is time for management to bring these negotiations to a close."
Staff members picketing outside of Charlotte Douglas told WCNC Charlotte they have been without a contract since 2019.
American Airlines said in a statement to WCNC Charlotte "We’re pleased with the meaningful progress we’ve made in negotiations for our flight attendants and continue to meet regularly with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants to reach an agreement.”
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline noted picketing is common during contract negotiations and doesn't impact operations or the focus on reaching an agreement.
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