Negotiating Committee
- This week’s mediation session was canceled due to a personal tragedy of our assigned mediator.
- Our Negotiating Committee met internally, using the time to review progress and prepare for mediation in January.
- Although the negotiations landscape has changed in recent months, the Committee remains focused on essential contractual provisions.
- Get ready for some big news next week! A major announcement will be made next week on Tuesday, December 19, in conjunction with our Day of Solidarity informational picketing.
Current State of Negotiations
This week’s mediation session was canceled due to a personal tragedy of our assigned mediator – more information here. Although our Negotiating Committee did not meet with management as a result, the Committee met internally Monday through Thursday and used the time to prepare for the first mediation session in January 2024.
It has been just over a year since we started negotiations. In terms of negotiations under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), this is a relatively short timeline. In comparison, Flight Attendants at several other airlines have been in negotiations for as long as four years.
Although the aggressive bargaining schedule we initially agreed to was unsuccessful, we were still able to make significant progress. We have reached 38 tentative agreements and have 7 remaining sections. Additionally, our overall economic discussion contains provisions from multiple sections. Review the Negotiations Dashboard for an up-to-date snapshot of our progress.
Changed Negotiations Landscape
Several important changes occurred in recent months:
- Southwest Flight Attendants initially reported their Tentative Agreement was voted down
- We discussed their reported vote certification issues on social media
- American Airlines Flight Attendants voted 99.5% YES to authorize a strike
- They subsequently requested a release to strike, which was denied by the National Mediation Board
- Alaska Air Group announced a $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, to be merged with Alaska Airlines
These events have impacted the landscape in which we are negotiating. We remain focused on achieving the industry-leading contract we deserve, prior to commencing work on a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) for the Hawaiian Airlines merger – if it is approved.
Much of this week was spent strategizing for mediation and reviewing our current progress. Our Negotiating Committee reviewed all proposals and agreements to date. We found some provisions in agreed upon sections that should be reevaluated for mediation.
Regardless of the changed landscape, we remain focused on essential contractual provisions – wages, work rules, trading, vacation, retirement, and more. As we begin mediation, both parties will work within the existing framework of our bargaining priorities and Opening Proposals published last fall.
Something Big is Coming
Be prepared for big news next week. Our Negotiating Committee is all set to make a major announcement on Tuesday, December 19, in conjunction with our Day of Solidarity informational picketing. This news is a game-changer and will significantly impact our ongoing negotiations for the contractual pay and work rule improvements we are fighting for.
Join our Day of Solidarity events on December 19 and be among the first to know about the upcoming news. Our Negotiating Committee and your fellow Flight Attendants are counting on your support and participation to help amplify the impending announcement. You can find all the information about Tuesday’s picketing events on this page of the negotiations website. If you still need to RSVP, please do so by clicking here.
Spread the word among your friends, family, and flying partners and encourage them to join you on the picket line. Now is the time to stand together to show management that we are a force to be reckoned with and will not back down until we get the contract we deserve!