The surge of labor strikes as workers demand fairness and change
Why we're seeing a rise in labor strikes and worker solidarity.
LEARN MOREPosted: 1:22 p.m. EDT Aug 31, 2023
Flight attendants with American Airlines have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as they push for a new labor contract and better pay.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents more than 26,000 workers for the carrier, said 99% voted in favor of going on strike if negotiations with the airline do not yield significant improvements. However, the vote does not mean a strike is imminent or even likely. A federal law requires a mediator to determine whether further negotiations would not lead to a new agreement — a move that rarely happens.
Nonetheless, Union President Julie Hedrick said the vote tells American Airlines that its flight attendants, who haven't received a raise since 2019, are "fired up" and ready for a new labor agreement.
"They ignore this strike vote at their peril," Hedrick said in a statement. "Our contributions to the success of American Airlines must be recognized and respected."
American is not the only airline facing a potential worker strike. Earlier this year, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association said the workers it represents with the airline voted to authorize a strike, with 99% of the pilots voting in favor.
Pilots at United also started picketing ahead of the busy travel season until the carrier agreed to raise their pay by 40% over the next four years.
