American, Union Agree Agents' Pay Deal

November 30, 2015

Members of the association representing American Airlines' reservations and gate agents approved a new five-year contract that includes an immediate 30 percent average wage increase.

American had agreed in September to a tentative contract that was put to a vote of the members of Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (CWA-IBT), which jointly represent nearly 15,000 workers.

"Immediately an average of 30 percent in increases takes effect," IBT spokeswoman Kara Deniz said in a statement.

CWA spokeswoman Candice Johnson said workers will get two wage increases per year.

"It's a contract that provides especially for the lower-wage workers," Johnson said. "It's life changing, especially, say for home-based agents."

CWA said 73 percent of CWA-IBT members voted in favour of the deal.

American is aiming for a smooth integration of its workforce and has already concluded contracts with its pilots and flight attendants.

(Reuters)