American Airlines flight attendants authorize strike

Flight attendants at American Airlines have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if it comes to that, the union said.

American called the vote "not unexpected and a common part of the bargaining process." It also noted that the National Mediation Board hasn't decided to let members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants go on strike.

APFA president Laura Glading said the union will continue to push the mediation board to release it into a 30-day cooling off period if there's no "framework" for a deal by the end of the week.

The two sides resumed talks Tuesday with a new federal mediator assigned to the talks after the previous mediator left for a new job.

The union said that 96.8 percent of members who voted cast ballots in favor of authorizing a strike. It said 90 percent of eligible voters participated.

Said Glading:

"This shows that flight attendants are strong, unified, and willing to do what is necessary to achieve an agreement that significantly improves our pay, benefits and work rules.

"If we do not have the framework for a tentative agreement at the end of this week, we will continue to push the National for a 30-day cooling off period at the end of which we can engage in a strike or other forms of self-help.

"We know the outlook for American is bright and it's our turn now to get back the sacrifices - more than $2 billion to date -- flight attendants have made to bail-out American Airlines.

"The middle class needs to get its fair share again after years of a national culture of corporate greed that is highlighted by the million dollar executive bonuses at American even as the airline lost money."

The APFA in March asked the NMB to release it from mediation and start a 30-day cooling-off period that could end in a strike. The NMB in April told the APFA and the Transport Workers Union, which made the same request, to keep negotiating.

Here's the complete statement from Missy Latham, American spokeswoman:

"APFA's announcement today is not unexpected and is a common part of the bargaining process. It's important to remember that we are not at a point in the negotiations process with the APFA where a strike could occur, and that even the threat of a strike is not in the best interests of our Flight Attendants, the APFA, or the company.

"It is unfortunate the APFA chose to make this announcement while we are in mediated sessions this week. Our team remains steadfastly focused on negotiations, presenting thoughtful proposals and coming to agreement on the items important to our flight attendants and the company.

"As we've said since we began negotiations, the company is ready to move ahead with any proposal that makes good economic and operational sense."