American Airlines Flight Attendants Seek Permission to Strike

Image: Flight attendant serving coffee aboard an American Airlines flight. (Photo Credit: American Airlines Media)

by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 9:10 AM ET, Tue November 21, 2023

It takes a lot for aviation members to go on strike. American Airlines flight attendants have taken the first step. American’s flight attendants have officially asked federal officials for the right to go on strike.

They are threatening to walk out between Christmas and New Year’s. Union officials say that contracts have long been stalled and flight attendants have not received a raise since 2019. The threat of a holiday strike would coincide with the end of a 30-day cooling-off period.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants requested the National Mediation Board on Monday. The odds are low, however, that permission to strike would be granted at the holidays.

With Southwest Airlines pilots also threatening to strike at around the same time, it is unlikely that permission will be granted for two strikes around the holidays. The strikes by two of the four top carriers in the country would be devastating, obviously.

But the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association is nonetheless moving forward and has opened up a strike center in Dallas. They have set a target date of December 29.

Federal law makes it challenging on both sides, however. Aviation workers can’t just walk off the job capriciously, nor can the airlines lock out their employees. That makes strikes in the industry difficult. Congress and a sitting United States President can override a strike if it threatens the economy. It has been almost 13 years since the last strike by a major U.S. airline.

American said in a statement that it has offered the flight attendants an “industry-leading economic proposal." American added that there is “no possibility” of a strike over Thanksgiving or the December holidays.

“We definitely don't feel any equality here,” said Erik Harris, treasurer of the flight attendants' union. “How come the pilots have gotten their deal and we haven't?”

American Airlines recently cut a deal with its pilots for a new contract.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.