In a recent development, United Airlines flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike. More than 90% of union members in United’s chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA participated in the vote, showing overwhelming support for potential strike action. However, it is important to note that this vote does not automatically mean that a strike is imminent. This is due to the regulations outlined in the Railway Labor Act, which governs strike actions in the airline industry.
The use of strike authorization votes as a negotiating tactic is not uncommon in the airline industry. Alaska, Southwest, and American flight attendants have all utilized this strategy in recent labor negotiations. While Southwest and Alaska have successfully completed new labor deals with their flight attendants, American has entered into a tentative agreement with theirs. The labor agreement between United and the AFA has been amendable since August 2021, with the union filing for mediation over eight months ago.
In response to the strike authorization, United Airlines has emphasized that this does not necessarily mean a work stoppage is imminent. The airline expressed its commitment to continue working towards an agreement with its flight attendants, with negotiations scheduled to take place regularly through November. United stated, „Both sides have been actively engaged in these negotiations facilitated by the federal mediator requested by the union. We remain eager to reach an agreement.“
The Association of Flight Attendants is advocating for a double-digit base pay increase, retroactive pay to the amendable date, compensation for time spent working on the ground, increased schedule flexibility, and other contract upgrades. The union has criticized United Airlines’ management for granting themselves significant compensation increases while flight attendants struggle to meet their basic financial obligations. Ken Diaz, president of the United AFA chapter, highlighted this issue, stating, „The United management team gives themselves massive compensation increases while flight attendants struggle to pay basic bills.“
The authorization of a strike by United Airlines flight attendants signifies a significant escalation in labor tensions within the company. While negotiations are ongoing, the demands made by the union and the response from the airline’s management will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this dispute. It remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and whether a strike will ultimately take place.
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