Negotiations between American Airlines and the flight attendants’ union have hit another roadblock this week, raising the possibility of a strike.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), representing approximately 28,000 flight attendants, stated that a favourable agreement was not reached during the latest round of talks, bringing them closer to a potential strike.

However, the flight attendants cannot go on strike until the National Mediation Board (NMB) grants permission. The NMB must first establish that an impasse has been reached and that further negotiations would not be productive. This is a complex process that can make it difficult for airline workers to go on strike.

The NMB denied the APFA’s request to be released from federal mediation last year, but American Airlines expressed confidence in reaching an agreement.

The airline stated to Reuters, “This agreement is within reach and we look forward to scheduling additional dates.” The airline’s spokesperson also added that they would continue negotiating to ensure that their flight attendants benefit from the contract.

The negotiations began in January 2020 but were paused due to the pandemic and resumed in June 2021.

Earlier this month, American Airlines offered its flight attendants a 17 per cent immediate wage increase in the new contract, but the offer was unanimously rejected by the APFA.

(With inputs from Reuters)