(Reuters) – The union representing American Airlines (NASDAQ:) flight attendants said on Thursday that the latest round of negotiations with the carrier did not result in an agreement this week.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which represents about 28,000 American Airlines flight attendants, said it was moving closer to a strike because the airline did not present a favorable agreement.
However, airline cabin crew cannot leave their jobs until the National Mediation Board (NMB) gives them permission.
First, the board will have to determine that both sides have reached an impasse and that further negotiations will not be productive. This lengthy and complex process makes it difficult for airline workers to strike.
Last year, NMB rejected the union’s request to be exempt from federal mediation.
In a statement emailed to Reuters on Thursday, American Airlines said it would continue to negotiate with the union to ensure its flight attendants benefit from the contract.
“This agreement is within reach and we look forward to securing additional dates,” an airline spokesman said.
The current round of negotiations began in January 2020 but was suspended at the height of the pandemic. Negotiations resumed in June 2021.
Earlier this month, the airline offered its cabin crew an immediate 17% pay rise in a new contract, which was later unanimously rejected by the APFA.