United Airlines' flight attendants have voted down a new contract that would lead to raises of at least 26% and other quality of life improvements.
Their union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) represents 28,000 flight attendants and with 92% of eligible members casting a ballot 71% voted not to ratify the agreement.
The last time flight attendants received a raise was in 2020 and president of the AFA United Airlines chapter, Ken Diaz, said flight attendants need improvements as soon as possible.
“United Flight Attendants today voted to send a strong message to United Airlines management by rejecting a tentative agreement that didn’t go far enough to address the years of sacrifice and hard work to make the airline the success it is today,” Diaz said.
“This is democracy in action.”
Diaz said he would survey members about key improvements they wanted in another contract.
This comes after the airline had reached a tentative agreement in May that included 40% of total economic improvements in the first year and retroactive pay, a singing bonus and other quality of life improvements.
It also follows years of flight attendants pushing for wage increases. Other airlines have created new labour deals with flight attendants, pilots and other groups in the wake of COVID-19.
Last year, United flight attendants voted to authorise a strike if a deal wasn’t reached and also had sought federal mediation for the labour talks.
In response, United Airlines said they would keep working with the union to form a resolution.
“Our flight attendants are the best in the industry and this tentative agreement included numerous improvements and industry-leading pay,” United said in a statement.
“While this vote will result in a delay and the AFA has outlined several steps to return to negotiations, including coordination with the National Mediation Board, we remain focused on getting our flight attendants the contract they deserve.”
