Flight attendants at a regional airline owned by American Airlines demonstrated Thursday at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, protesting what they say are years of stalled contract negotiations as a record-setting holiday travel season begins.
The roughly hour-long demonstration took place on December 18 outside Terminal E at DFW, where PSA Airlines flight attendants and supporters gathered late in the morning amid moderate airport traffic.
The demonstration was part of a nationwide Day of Action by PSA flight attendants, according to a media advisory circulated to reporters in advance. PSA Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, and its flights are marketed under the American Eagle brand.
PSA flight attendants have been working under an amendable contract for nearly three years, union representatives said, arguing that management has delayed reaching a new agreement that includes higher wages and improved working conditions. While PSA is a separate corporate entity, flight attendants contend that American Airlines ultimately controls pay and working conditions at its regional carriers.
“American Airlines management ultimately controls our pay and working conditions, and right now, after almost three years of working under an amendable contract, management is delaying a living wage contract,” Travis Smith, a local Association of Flight Attendants spokesperson at PSA, told The Dallas Express after the demonstration. “Which is why we are protesting here and across the country today, especially during a record-setting holiday travel season.”
Smith said PSA flight attendants earn significantly less than their counterparts at American’s mainline operation, despite passengers often being unable to tell the difference between regional and mainline flights.
“We work flights branded as American that passengers booked through the American website, we are earning over 40% less than mainline American when passengers can’t even tell the difference,” he said. “We want a living wage – including double-digit pay increases, boarding pay, retro pay, and scheduling improvements – is critical for a contract that’s long overdue.”
During the protest, flight attendants held signs reading “Saving Lives. Can’t Afford Rent” and “No Tiers In Aviation. Living Wage Now.” Chants included, “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now! And if we don’t get it? Shut it down!”
Several flight attendants from APFA, a separate flight attendant organization for American Airlines employees not directly involved in the PSA labor dispute, joined the demonstration in solidarity. Two APFA flight attendants told The Dallas Express, “Their fight is our fight. Give them a living contract.”
APFA members said they marched alongside PSA flight attendants because regional airline crews are often paid less and receive fewer benefits than those at major carriers. They wanted to support their colleagues’ demands.
The demonstration unfolded as airlines brace for what travel analysts say will be the busiest holiday season on record.
More than 8 million travelers are expected to fly domestically during the year-end holidays, with airfares averaging nearly $900 for a round-trip ticket, according to travel projections reported by AAA.
American Airlines recently reported “record” third-quarter revenue of $13.7 billion, according to the company’s most recent earnings release. The airline said it expects more than $1 billion in free cash flow for the full year, while continuing to invest in customer experience and operations.
PSA Airlines operates more than 700 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations on behalf of American Airlines, according to company materials, and employs more than 5,000 team members across multiple crew bases, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The Dallas Express contacted both American Airlines and PSA Airlines for comment about the demonstration and contract negotiations. Neither company responded by the deadline.
