AMERICAN AIRLINES Flight Attendants Considering Strike

Flight attendants for Tulsa's largest employer, American Airlines are considering a strike.<br><br>Flight attendants have threatened to strike if American doesn't meet their demands, which could

Monday, June 25th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Flight attendants for Tulsa's largest employer, American Airlines are considering a strike.

Flight attendants have threatened to strike if American doesn't meet their demands, which could mean a potential 24,000 flight attendants walking picket lines during the July 4th holiday.

Both sides will meet with federal mediators on Thursday. But flight attendants can legally strike July 1st.

Officials for the airline says they're hopeful of reaching a negotiated settlement soon. Neither side can seem to agree on pay compensation, retirement funding and scheduling.

The head of the union isn't optimistic. He says they're disappointed with the companies conduct and attitude.

John Ward - Union President "Once again American Airlines has demonstrated it talks a good game but is willing to do nothing to provide American Airlines attendants with the contract our members so clearly deserve. Once again American Airlines has demonstrated that it talks a good game but is willing to do nothing to provide American Airlines attendants with the contract our members so clearly deserve."

Talk of a strike has some travelers worried.

Richard German Traveler It's hard enough traveling these days when everything is working well. I few had to face the dilemma of flight attendants not on duty think about the delays, and uncertainty. I would hate to think about it.

If a strike does occur, flight attendants say they plan on picketing airports nationwide to inform the public about their contract needs.