American Airlines Flight Attendants Risk Losing Their Jobs as Union Raises Dues

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which represents more than 25,000 American Airlines flight attendants, has proposed a substantial 48 percent increase in member dues.

The proposal comes at a time when many flight attendants are already facing the threat of termination for falling behind on payments.

APFA’s push for higher dues has intensified tensions within its membership, particularly as the union has pursued aggressive collection efforts targeting all flight attendants, even those on medical leave, maternity leave, or reduced schedules.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, flight attendants must maintain active union membership as a condition of employment. Union dues are mandatory contributions that fund a labor union’s core functions, including contract negotiations, worker representation in disputes, legal support, grievance handling, and coordination of labor actions. 

This requirement means that being part of the union is essential for flight attendants to benefit from the collective strength the union provides.

When members fail to pay dues, APFA reports them to American Airlines’ HR department, which then initiates termination proceedings.

Many members have expressed frustration, citing significant financial strain and a lack of visible benefits tied to the proposed increase.

In response to escalating complaints, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has begun offering legal assistance to affected flight attendants.

APFA leadership argues that dues must be increased and more strictly enforced to maintain financial stability, warning that without additional funding, the union may be forced to reduce critical services and weaken its bargaining power.

To better understand how unions shape the air travel sector and cooperate with crew, check out our explainer on airline strikes.

Photo by Sachin Amjhad on Unsplash