The union representing flight attendants at American Airlines rejected a contract proposal this week, refusing a 17% pay increase and moving toward a strike.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants gave a thumbs-down to the airline Wednesday during negotiations. The proposal reportedly included improvements to benefits and wages.

While a 17% wage increase is significant, flight attendants haven’t received a contract-tied pay bump since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the union feels the company has deeper pockets.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told the flight attendants that the latest plan was aimed at getting them more money faster.

“So, to get you more money now, we presented APFA with a proposal that offers immediate wage increases of 17% and a new formula that would increase your profit sharing. This means we’ve offered increased pay for all flight attendants and are not asking your union for anything in return,” Mr. Isom said.

Even though the union is closer to a strike, a work stoppage isn’t inevitable. The two parties will meet with federal mediators next week to try to close a deal. If those negotiations fail, the flight attendants will be on the picket line.

American Airlines’ contract negotiations come after U.S. airlines nailed down union contracts for their pilots last year. Those same companies remain bogged down in contract talks with their unionized flight attendants.

Flight attendants at American, Alaska and United Airlines are likely looking at the pilots’ record pay raises as a guide.