PSA Airlines flight attendants are set to make their grievances heard at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport today. Demanding better wages during what's been called one of the busiest summer travel seasons yet, these workers have decided to take action following a vote in favor of a strike after prolonged contract negotiations, according to a report by WSOCTV.
Amidst these tensions, Sean Griffin, president of the Charlotte branch of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) at PSA Airlines, vocalized the union's dissatisfaction. "We’ve faced operational meltdowns, gut-wrenching tragedy, and an impossible cost of living — while American Airlines celebrates record profits,” Griffin highlighted in a statement to WCNC. He added, “It’s time for a real contract with real pay.” This call for equitable wages comes as union leaders pointed out that PSA flight attendants earn over 40% less than their counterparts at American Airlines' mainline operations, despite sharing similar responsibilities under the same brand.
A decisive 99.2% of PSA flight attendants voted to authorize a possible strike action last year, expressing a clear discontent with the management's proposal of a modest single-digit wage increase, which pales in comparison to the up to 20.5% raise recently awarded to some mainline flight attendants.
With American Airlines maintaining oversight over PSA and other regional carriers under the American Eagle brand, the planned demonstration is expected to draw PSA workers, labor allies, and community supporters alike. Patrons should be aware of the predicted traffic congestion near CLT airport entrance during this afternoon's event, though no direct disruptions to flights are anticipated. However, as union members indicate, this show of public pressure may be just a precursor, with more impactive actions forecasted should the deadlocked negotiations persist.
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