May 25, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Re: NMB Offers Arbitration to American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants

On Wednesday, May 23, 2001, the National Mediation Board requested that American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants enter into an agreement to submit their labor dispute to arbitration, as provided in Section 8 of the Railway Labor Act (RLA). The NMB made the proffer of arbitration as part of its routine administration of the Railway Labor Act, and is currently awaiting a response from APFA. American Airlines accepted the NMB's offer of arbitration. No action by APFA is anticipated before the end of next week.