Newsposter

American Airlines flight attendants and Southwest pilots are both considering the possibility of going on strike due to frustrations over contract negotiations. The flight attendants' union has petitioned for the right to strike after a 30-day cooling-off period, while the pilots have opened a "strike center" and plan to ask for the right to strike if a contract deal is not reached soon. However, it is difficult for airline workers to go on strike under federal law. American Airlines disputes the claim that negotiations are deadlocked and states that progress is being made. The flight attendants' union is asking for immediate raises of 35% and annual increases of 6%, while American is offering 11% upfront and annual increases of 2%. Southwest pilots are likely to receive raises similar to those of American Airlines pilots. The major issue at Southwest is pilot scheduling. Both unions are encouraged by advancements made by other unions this year and are hopeful for progress in their negotiations.