US Airways, Flight Attendants Hope for Contract This Week.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TheStreet) -- Negotiators for US Airways(LCC) and its flight attendants are headed to Philadelphia this week, with both sides hopeful they can reach a contract deal after six and a half years of talks.

"Every time we meet we make progress, so I'm hopeful," said Roger Holmin, president of the US Airways chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants, in an interview.

"We're headed to Philadelphia this week to make a deal with our flight attendants' union," said Al Hemenway, the airline's vice president of labor relations, in a prepared statement. Talks are scheduled for Wednesday, July 18-20.

Negotiators got close in the last round of talks, which took place in Phoenix June 18-22.

"There wasn't enough time to accomplish everything we needed to accomplish," Holmin said. "But we were able to convince the (National Mediation Board) that we had made enough progress that they granted us more days."

US Airways flight attendants are working under a 2004 contract, even though US Airways -- which is seeking a merger with AMR Corp.(AAMRQ.PK) , the parent company of American Airlines -- has already reached a tentative deal with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents American's flight attendants.

In March, 75% of US Airways flight attendants rejected a tentative contract agreement. Afterwards, the union surveyed members on needed improvements. Holmin said union negotiators are focused on compensation, job security and work rules.

-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C.

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