John, 

Today, we turn our attention to our courageous siblings at the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), who are currently engaged in a crucial struggle for a fair union contract with American Airlines.

 

As highlighted in a recent letter from APFA, "Flight Attendants at American Airlines are fighting to achieve a new contract that addresses the current economic realities and compensates us retroactively for management's delays at the bargaining table. Flight Attendants have been without a pay raise for over five years, and our current contract became amendable in 2019. This situation is untenable and unjust, and we are calling on our Union Siblings across industries and occupations for support."

 

They have been waiting for over five years for a pay raise, and their contract, which became amendable in 2019, still hasn't been updated to reflect their hard work and dedication. This delay is not only unfair but also harmful to the 28,000 Flight Attendants who rely on these negotiations to secure better wages and working conditions.

 

Despite the prolonged negotiations, American Airlines' management has been quick to reward themselves with substantial bonuses once COVID-era restrictions were lifted. As APFA points out, "New-hire Flight Attendants at American Airlines are guaranteed a salary of just $27,000 annually. Yet, senior management has established an incentive program that rewards them with bonuses of up to 60% of their salary for successfully navigating the pandemic, as if they did it alone without the frontline workers."

 

The disparity is striking: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom's 2023 compensation package totaled a staggering 31.4 million dollars, which is 1,162 times that of a newly hired Flight Attendant. This inequity underscores the urgent need for a contract that truly reflects the vital contributions of Flight Attendants to the airline's success.

 

We, at the Arizona AFL-CIO, stand with APFA in their fight for a fair and equitable contract. Their struggle is a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity across all sectors. As APFA states, "28,000 Flight Attendants thank you for standing with us in support and solidarity as we continue the fight for our right to strike. It is time for American Airlines to recognize the contributions of its Flight Attendants. We are counting on your support to help us keep our message at the forefront of the fight against corporate greed."

 

If your union would like to support APFA in their fight, please reach out to Alana Billingsley at: [email protected] 

 

Together, let's amplify their voices and keep the pressure on American Airlines to do what is right. 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS

Pinal County Labor 2024 Update Meeting - July 18th

 

Following up on last month’s meeting in Casa Grande, attendees asked to meet again to talk about the state of labor in Pinal County, ongoing workplace organizing campaigns, and I’ll be reaching out to guest speakers to talk to us about relevant topics. 

Event Details: 

📅Thursday, July 18, 2024 @ 6PM

📍Florence Community Center, 778 N Main St, Florence, AZ 85132

💻RSVP Via Zoom - Click HERE 

Click on the button below to RSVP In-Person

*Food will be provided

Please contact Joe Murphy at [email protected] if you have any comments, concerns, or questions, and please feel free to invite any other unionists in Pinal County to join us!

Apply To Become A Member of One of Governor Hobb's Boards & Commissions 

 

If you are interested on how you can apply to become a member of one of Governor Hobb's Boards & Commissions, please click on the button below and fill out the form to receive one-on-one help with one of our staff members

Apply for the Andy Ward Memorial Scholarship! 

 

Applications for the Andy Ward Scholarship are now open! Encourage union members and their dependents affiliated with the Maricopa Area Labor Federation (MALF) to apply and seize this valuable opportunity for educational advancement. 

Want to Support the Andy Ward Scholarship Fund? Consider Donating

Your contributions will significantly impact the lives of our Brothers and Sisters. Engaging and educating our members and their children within the labor community is crucial for shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

AZ AFL-CIO 2024 Candidate Endorsements 

 

Mark your calendars for Arizona's Primary Election on July 30th and General Election on November 5th! 

 

The Arizona AFL-CIO has just released additional endorsements! 

 

Endorsements will be updated on our website: https://azaflcio.org/2024-candidate-endorsements

 

OPINION

 

NATIONAL NEWS

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

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If you'd like to promote an event for your union in our weekly newsletter, fill out our submission form or email AZ AFL-CIO  Communications & Operations Director Alina Cordoba at [email protected]