American Airlines flight attendants are taking their push for a new contract to the next level.
The flight attendants plan to protest at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and other major airports across the country next week.
Union leaders said it's a sign to management that the flight attendants are willing to strike.
"We will do whatever is necessary to achieve a contract," said Laura Glading, union president. "We will take whatever steps we need to take."
American Airlines management has claimed success recently in reaching agreement on more than a dozen contract items.
But Glading said she disagrees with management's assessment that negotiations are going well.
"And if the company's being polite and smiling at the table, that's great, but that doesn't get you a deal," she said.
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Tuesday's protest is timed to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the union's last strike against the airline in 1993.
"American respects the rights of APFA to conduct public demonstrations; however, in light of the economic challenges that our industry -- and our country -- is facing, we must continue to work collaboratively to reach a competitive contract," said AA spokeswoman Tami McLallen.
The flight attendants have been without a contract since May. The union said it may push for federal mediation this winter.
"It's really up to the company how far they want to take this thing and how much they want to have this be a contentious negotiation," Glading said.
The union said it is not planning any kind of sick-out and its members who are on-duty Tuesday will show up for work.
