Airline giant, United Airlines, reportedly strikes a landmark agreement with its flight attendants and their union, claiming it to be a pioneering labor contract within the industry.
United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) have reached a tentative labor agreement aimed at improving conditions for 28,000 flight attendants. The union has yet to share specific details, but the deal is set to offer "industry-leading" wages, retroactive pay, a signing bonus, and quality-of-life enhancements.
The agreement follows a vote by flight attendants authorizing a potential strike if a deal wasn't reached. They also sought federal mediation during negotiations. Union leaders are scheduled to review the deal on May 29–30, and the agreement will be presented for a vote by members thereafter. Ratification is expected within a month, with a potential ratification by July.
Negotiations were protracted and tough, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among flight attendants for not receiving a pay raise in years. The deal is a significant step towards resolving long-standing issues in the sector, as other work groups secured new labor deals in the wake of the pandemic. United Airlines is the last of the major U.S. carriers to settle with its flight attendants.
The agreement includes economic improvements of 40% in the first year, making it the most lucrative in the industry. Flight attendants will also receive retroactive pay to compensate for the time since their contract became amendable in 2021. The deal also includes improvements in scheduling, hotel accommodations, and reserve duties, aimed at improving work-life balance for crew members.
The details of the agreement are subject to review by union leaders before being presented for a vote by members. Ratification is anticipated to take about a month, with ratification potentially happening by July.
In light of the protracted negotiations, this proposed agreement aims to address the long-standing grievances of United Airlines' flight attendants, particularly with regards to their lifestyle and compensation. The deal, expected to be ratified by July, ensures economic enhancements of 40% in the first year, making it the most lucrative in the industry. Additionally, it encompasses improvements in scheduling, hotel accommodations, and reserve duties, all aimed at promoting a better work-life balance and travel experiences for the flight attendants.
