American Flight Attendants' Union Rejects Arbitration;
30-Day Countdown to Potential Strike to Begin

DALLAS and FORT WORTH, Texas, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of
Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the Union representing the
23,000 American Airlines flight attendants, today rejected arbitration of its
collective bargaining dispute, which will trigger a 30-day countdown to a
possible strike.
The current flight attendant contract became amendable in November 1998.
"We have tried everything possible to get a new contract, we have narrowed our
differences, but the Company has still not been willing to put the money on
the table that is needed to get the job done," said John Ward, President of
APFA. "The Company likes to characterize its current proposal as 'industry
leading,' but the pay it has offered will keep the American flight attendants
behind the industry leader for the entire duration of the contract," added
Ward.
APFA's objective is to reach agreement on an acceptable contract within
the next 30 days and without a strike, but it will also be escalating its
strike preparation activities now that there is a specific, short-term strike
deadline. "Whether we strike or not depends on the Company, if they finally
step up to the plate and treat the American flight attendants fairly and with
dignity, we can avoid a strike; if they fail to make the necessary moves, a
strike is unfortunately a distinct possibility," cautioned President Ward.