United States: the salaries of pilots and hostesses at the center of rough negotiations

The impact of the COVID pandemic was strongly felt in all sectors of the economy and aviation was by no means an exception: in the United States it is estimated that losses have been incurred. $35 billion in 2020,

Now, as the demand for flights continues to grow, airlines are faced with a daunting dual challenge: Combat pilot shortages and keep costs under control in inflationary conditions, For their part, unions have been demanding higher pay and better hours, which have so far not gone down well.

report cited by CNBC Indicates that unions representing this week alone 30,000 pilots United American Airlines and United Airlines they rejected terms of agreement. Dennis Tajer, an American Airlines Boeing 737 captain and spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, which represents the company’s approximately 15,000 pilots, said: The effects of inflation crushed them And that what they are looking for is a combination of work and family life.

A pilot’s salary varies by experience and type of aircraft, but wide-body captains hover around $300,000 per year for the major airlines. Pilots are currently in short supply and those working with smaller companies have received pay increases in response.

On Wednesday, the Allied Pilots Association said its board of directors Turns down a deal from American Airlines that offered pilots a 19% raise, The company had offered 17% at the beginning of this 2022. However, beyond salary, a spokesperson for the association explained what they are looking for through the union. They are better working rules that do not harm the health of its members.

Also, earlier this week the pilot of United Airlines He declined a deal of about 15% growth in about 18 months. United claimed they were working with their union, Airline Pilots Association, In a new proposal.

for its part, the pilot Delta Airlines Voted this week to authorize possible strike If the union does not reach an agreement. However, the Atlanta-based company said that, despite the vote, they had made significant progress in talks.

Flight attendants are also part of the industry and try to reconcile increased wages and better working conditions American, United and South West. flight attendants and pilots who are off duty appear at airports demanded an improvement in their contracts.

Last month, in the rare case of success, the pilot Alaska Airlines signed a new contract, professionals get paid more than 20% at the time of signing, In addition, pilots from these large companies have noted the growth recorded in regional companies, which have high rates of shortfall. An economic slowdown in the aviation sector

experts of CNBC pointed out that if unions reject agreements in an attempt to press for better conditions, The sector may face a new economic crisis.

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