Mediator sought in PSA Airline talks

DAYTON — A union representing PSA Airlines flight attendants said Tuesday, June 22, that it has asked for a federal mediator to prod contract negotiations with the airline.

The Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America said it asked the National Mediation Board to oversee what the union said have been unproductive negotiations with PSA Airlines for a new labor agreement to replace one negotiated in 2002.

Compensation for PSA Airlines flight attendants has fallen behind those of other airlines even while the flight attendants’ workload has increased in recent years, the union said.

The union represents about 300 flight attendants, including 75 based in Dayton. The average new-hire flight attendant is paid about $15,000 a year, union spokeswoman Corey Caldwell said.

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of US Airways Group, is based at Dayton International Airport and flies under the US Airways Express name.

Keith D. Houk, PSA’s president and chief executive officer, was away from his office and unavailable to comment Tuesday, an aide said.

Questions were referred to Andrew Christie, a US Airways spokesman who did not return messages requesting a response.

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