AMR Attendants’ Contract Boosts Pressure for Pilots Deal

American Airlines flight attendants’ approval of a new cost-cutting contract increases pressure for a similar accord between the bankrupt carrier and its pilots, the lone holdout on union givebacks.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants said members voted 7,482 to 5,088 to approve the contract, joining American’s mechanics and aircraft stock clerks who accepted an offer Aug. 8. Their employer, trying to cut industry-leading labor costs as it restructures in bankruptcy, is seeking a judge’s permission to impose concessions on the pilot’s union.