In a show of solidarity, American Airlines flight attendants have rejected a 17% pay increase offered by the airline, citing low wages and pressing financial concerns. The move comes as negotiations between American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) continue, with the potential for the first airline strike in 15 years looming.

American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, made the 17% wage hike offer in a video message, claiming that it would push new Boston and Miami flight attendants above the eligibility threshold for food stamps. The proposed increase was intended to take immediate effect without any demands from the union. However, the APFA dismissed the offer as a "PR move" and preparation for upcoming strike negotiations.

One of the key issues highlighted by APFA President Julie Hedrick is the low pay for food expenses on trips. Flight attendants currently receive an additional $2.20 per hour for domestic trips and $2.50 for international flights. However, these allowances are "very behind" the actual cost of food, according to Hedrick. Since the previous contract was negotiated in 2014, flight attendants have experienced a 33% rise in inflation while their salaries remain stagnant.

The starting salary for entry-level flight attendants at American Airlines currently stands at $27,315 per year. The proposed 17% increase would push the starting wage to $31,959 per year, or $35.5 per flight hour. This new rate would make junior flight attendants living alone ineligible for food stamps in certain states. Many new hires are required to live in cities with high living costs, such as Dallas, Miami, and New York, leading some flight attendants to sleep in their cars.

The proposed pay hike has been met with mixed reactions among flight attendants, with new hires expressing the most dissatisfaction. The APFA is calling for a 33% raise to match the rise in inflation since 2014, with a cap at $91 per hour during the first year of a new contract and subsequent annual pay raises.

As negotiations continue, there is a growing sense of frustration among flight attendants. They have picketed for 18 months, demonstrating their resolve to secure an industry-competitive contract. The upcoming negotiations in Washington will be overseen by the National Mediation Board, which can allow a strike if an impasse is reached.

While the stakes for a possible strike at American Airlines are not as dire as in the railroad industry, where strikes can lead to significant economic losses, the threat of a strike could disrupt the airline's operations. Other major carriers like United Airlines are also in the midst of negotiating new contracts with their flight attendants.

The APFA, refusing to accept piecemeal raises, has made it clear that they want a comprehensive contract that addresses their concerns. Flight attendants are eager to see a resolution after prolonged negotiations and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.