The Dallas Morning News reports unions at American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines want their hours getting the plane ready for passengers to be paid as well.

 

New Contracts Negotiations to Include Pre-Flight Pay

Delta will become the first major U.S. airline to pay attendants for their pre-flight work on June 2, 2020. The Associated Press reports while workers will get paid for time during preparations and boarding, it will only be half of their regular rate.

 

Now that Delta workers will get wages for time that is traditionally unpaid, unionized workers at other airlines are pressuring their companies to do the same. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents cabin crews at Alaska Airlines, said they will raise the issue of boarding pay to their “opening proposal” on a future contract. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents workers at American Airlines, are already adding pre-flight pay in their contract negotiations with the Fort Worth-based carrier. Transportation Workers Union Local 556, which represents Southwest flight attendants, also say they will make it part of their future contract priorities.

 

While the issue stood on the radar of the flight attendant unions, it was often placed on the backburner with pay hikes and benefit increases taking center stage. With fewer flight attendants at airlines in the skies and cancellations becoming a major issue, getting paid for the pre-boarding work is once again becoming a priority.

 

Traditionally, flight attendants are paid a very small hourly wage for time between flights, along with a per diem to cover meals and other incidentals. The airlines involved have not publicly commented on the issue.

 

Pay Hikes and Uniform Options Come as Delta Faces Unionization Effort

Delta’s moves to keep flight attendants happy comes as the AFA-CWA is working to organize the current non-unionized workers at the Atlanta-based carrier. In addition to the pay bump, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the carrier also introduced a second uniform option, after fielding complaints the current uniform caused some to experience severe allergic reactions.

Source: frugal travel guy