American Airlines' Flight Attendants Told They Cannot Strike

NewsOn6.com

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The federal government's National Mediation Board won't allow American Airlines flight attendants to strike. 

Federal regulators cite the airline's fragile finances and the weakened national economy. 

Flight attendants and management have been in labor negotiations for nearly three years over pay raises and benefits. 

Under the Railway Labor Act, unions cannot strike without asking the board to declare an impasse to seek release from negotiations. If release is granted, the cooling-off period must expire before a strike or a lockout.

American Airlines is the only airline that analysts say will likely post a loss for the next two years.