Understanding the Negotiations Process

An informed membership makes stronger decisions when negotiations do begin.
Knowledge is preparation — not pressure.

This page outlines how the negotiations process works, how member input shapes priorities, and what actually happens at the bargaining table.

Step One: Education Comes First

Before negotiations begin, it is important to understand:

The legal framework governing the process
The timeline and procedural phases
The tools available to both sides
The limits that exist under federal labor law

Understanding the structure of negotiations allows Flight Attendants to make informed decisions later. Preparation strengthens strategy.

Step Two: Member Input Shapes Priorities

Contracts are not built in isolation. Negotiating priorities come directly from the membership.

Member input is gathered through:

Surveys
Base and council conversations
Feedback shared with representatives
Real-world experiences

This input identifies what matters most to Flight Attendants, including:

Pay
Scheduling
Work rules
Quality of life
Job protections

Why Surveys Matter

Surveys are not symbolic.

They provide measurable data that:

Identifies common concerns across the membership
Establishes clear priorities
Guides proposal development
Strengthens credibility at the negotiating table

Clear, unified priorities give negotiators direction and leverage.

Engagement at this stage shapes everything that follows.

Step Three: Negotiations at the Table

Negotiations are not a single meeting or announcement.
They take place over multiple sessions and over time.

At the table:

The Union presents proposals based on member priorities
The Company responds with counterproposals
Both sides discuss, revise, and clarify positions
Progress develops in stages

Movement is rarely immediate or linear. Agreements are built through incremental discussion and revision.

Why the Process Can Feel Slow

There may be periods with visible updates and periods that feel quiet.

Quiet does not mean inactivity.

Between sessions, work continues through:

Proposal drafting and revision
Financial and operational analysis
Legal review
Strategic planning

Negotiations require preparation on both sides. While neither party seeks to unnecessarily prolong the process, it is not a one-meeting-and-done conversation.

Representation and Authority

Elected representatives and the negotiating committee advocate on behalf of Flight Attendants at the table.

Nothing moves forward without member direction.

Even after negotiations conclude, no agreement becomes effective unless a majority of Flight Attendants vote to approve it.

The final decision always rests with the membership.

Engagement Matters at Every Stage

An informed and engaged membership strengthens our position:

When setting priorities
During negotiations
When evaluating a tentative agreement

Participation, unity, and understanding are critical components of a strong negotiating position.

The negotiations process is deliberate and structured.
Education and engagement ensure that when the time comes, Flight Attendants are prepared to make informed decisions.