“Flight Attendants at TWU Local 578 voted massively to ratify a new contract that immediately offers life-changing raises, approaching 50 percent over five years,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “This is why workers form unions. I’m proud of the hard work our negotiators put into getting an agreement that offers real improvements for our members at FSI.”
The average immediate wage increase for Flight Attendants working at Flight Services International, which staffs Atlas Air flights, is 31.9%. Wage increases will range from 25.2% to 32.7% once the contract goes into effect and will increase to 40% to 48% over the duration of the contract. The contract goes into effect on January 1, 2026 through 2030.
TWU Flight Attendants at FSI will see a major pay increase and critical benefit changes such as better vacation policies, sick leave improvements, and more protections for our members,” said TWU Air Division Director Andre Sutton. “I’m proud of our members for overwhelmingly ratifying this new five-year agreement through 2030 and for the hard work of our negotiating team.”
The new contract includes annual longevity step pay increases, a bid month guarantee increase to 80 hours per month from 70, and a purser premium increase from $6.50 per hour to $7 per hour. It also includes an extra week of vacation for senior Flight Attendants, additional bereavement leave, and minimum standards for hotel accommodations. The contract also includes holiday pay for reserves, compensation for extended duty days, and a per diem increase.
“We know we didn’t get everything we hoped for, but the work does not stop here,” said Nikki Doby, President of TWU Local 578. “We will continue collaborating with FSI to address remaining priorities and build on this success.”
TWU Local 578 is a Houston-based local that represents Flight Attendants employed by Flight Services International who work on charter flights run by Atlas Air.
“We went to the table to solve the problems our members face daily—both on the job and economically,” said Thom McDaniel, TWU International Vice President. “It is clear by their overwhelming support that we accomplished that.”