United Airlines and Flight Attendants Near Historic Pay Agreement

United Airlines is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a new contract with its flight attendants after more than five years of negotiations. The airline and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) have indicated that a deal could be reached this month, following intense discussions in Chicago. If completed, this contract would position United’s flight attendants as the highest-paid in the industry, marking a significant victory for workers who have been without a new agreement since early 2019.

Recent negotiations have shown promising developments, as both parties reported “substantial progress.” The AFA-CWA, which represents approximately 35,000 flight attendants, has been advocating for a new contract since the last one became amendable in August 2021. The latest proposal from United includes “industry-leading” pay rates, which were initially rejected due to unresolved issues related to scheduling and other concessions.

In an internal memo, Nathan Lopp, vice president of labor relations at United, expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions. He stated that the airline anticipates finalizing signing bonuses and other outstanding items during the next mediation session scheduled for March 24-27, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Lopp emphasized that under the new agreement, compensation for all flight attendants would be the best in the industry.

Negotiations and Potential Strike Action

Prior to the recent progress in negotiations, flight attendants had planned a “Day of Action” for March 19, 2024, to advocate for their contract demands. The AFA-CWA decided to suspend this demonstration, contingent upon further updates from the negotiation table. Although the union did not explicitly mention strike action, it hinted at the possibility of escalated measures if no agreement is reached soon.

Negotiations have faced challenges, particularly regarding United’s proposed “Preferential Bidding System” (PBS), which is already implemented by several major US airlines. Flight attendants have voiced strong opposition to this system, which they believe does not adequately address their needs. United argues that PBS would enhance efficiency and enable better pay, replacing the older line bidding system currently in use. Additionally, flight attendants are pushing for “sit pay,” which would compensate them for time spent waiting between flights.

The upcoming discussions in Washington, D.C., are critical as they will determine whether flight attendants will accept the PBS system or negotiate a hybrid solution that prioritizes seniority while addressing other outstanding issues.

While United Airlines has reported substantial profits in recent years, outpacing many of its competitors, the path to a new contract has been fraught with challenges. Previous negotiations led to a tentative agreement in the summer of 2023, which was ultimately rejected by 71% of union members. As the industry waits for a resolution, the outcome of the upcoming mediation sessions will be pivotal for both the airline and its flight attendants.