By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-902940.mp3
Dallas, TX – American Airlines flight attendants have overwhelmingly approved a walk-out. They're still negotiating a contract, so a strike couldn't occur for at least month, if at all.
Union president Laura Glading says 90 percent of the members voted, and 95 percent of them voted to strike.
Glading: The company now knows without a doubt we are unified and will do whatever is necessary to get the contract we deserve. We must stay strong and unified to maintain this momentum in order to reach our goal. It's our turn now and we will not back down.
Flight attendants want pay and benefits they gave up 7 years ago to help American avoid bankruptcy. The company says this is all part of the bargaining process. Both parties remain in contract talks with oversight from the National Mediation Board.
That board must first say talks have reached a standstill before starting a 30-day cooling off clock. It must tick down before a possible strike.