United Airlines is on the brink of finalizing a new contract with its flight attendants, ending a labor dispute that has persisted for over five years. Both the airline and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) indicated that a deal could be reached within the month, following a week of intensive negotiations in Chicago. If successful, this agreement will position United flight attendants as the best-paid in the industry, a notable achievement for workers who have been without a new contract for nearly six years.
The latest discussions have resulted in what AFA-CWA representatives described as “substantial progress.” The union, which represents approximately 35,000 flight attendants at United, has been advocating for a new contract since their previous agreement expired in August 2021. The potential contract is touted to offer “industry-leading” pay rates, which were initially rejected last month due to ongoing disputes regarding scheduling and other concessions.
Nathan Lopp, Vice President of Labor Relations at United Airlines, expressed optimism in an internal memo, stating that the airline is “encouraged” by the recent advancements. He expects to finalize signing bonuses and address other remaining items during the next mediation session scheduled for late March. Lopp noted, “Over the term of the agreement, pay for every flight attendant at every level would be top of industry.” Discussions have also made headway on key issues concerning wage rates and revisions to redeye rules and sit pay.
Protests Suspended as Negotiations Continue
Prior to the recent progress, United flight attendants had organized a “Day of Action” set for March 19, 2024, which has now been suspended pending further developments. While the AFA-CWA did not explicitly mention the possibility of strike action, it indicated that it would “aggressively move the process forward” if negotiations stalled, suggesting that industrial action remains a possibility if a satisfactory agreement is not reached.
Upcoming mediation sessions are scheduled in Washington DC from March 24 to 27, 2024, where both parties will seek to resolve outstanding issues, including the contentious crew scheduling system. This system, known as the “Preferential Bidding System” (PBS), has faced resistance from flight attendants who have not endorsed its implementation, despite its use by other major airlines. Proponents argue that PBS would improve efficiency and enable the airline to fund higher wages.
In previous negotiations, flight attendants rejected a tentative agreement last summer, with 71% of union members voting against it. As United Airlines continues to report strong profits, surpassing many of its rivals, the stakes for both the airline and its crew are high.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimistic climate surrounding the negotiations, significant hurdles remain. The ongoing contention over the PBS and other key issues such as sit pay—compensation for time spent waiting between flights—could complicate the path to a final agreement. The upcoming discussions will be crucial in determining whether United’s flight attendants will adopt the PBS or negotiate a hybrid system that favors senior members.
As talks progress, both sides remain hopeful for a resolution that will bring an end to one of the longest-running labor disputes in the airline industry. The outcome of these negotiations could reshape the landscape for flight attendants across the sector, setting a new standard for compensation and working conditions.
