United Airlines and its cabin crew union say they are close to reaching a revised tentative contract agreement following progress in recent mediation talks. The airline’s 30,000 flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, with negotiations ongoing since the previous contract became amendable in August 2021.
Significant Progress in Mediation Talks
Negotiations between United and the union took place at the start of March 2026, during federal mediation in Chicago. According to the union’s four-person negotiating committee, the talks resulted in “substantial progress on all outstanding issues”.
The union said only a small number of issues remain unresolved and that both sides are working toward finalising the agreement. The next mediation session is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C, from March 24 to March 27. Union representatives told members they expect that a complete tentative agreement could be reached during this upcoming session.
Previous Contract Proposal Rejected
In July 2025, flight attendants voted against a proposed tentative agreement that would have included pay increases of around 27%. Despite the pay offer, around 71% of union members rejected the deal.
Due to the progress made during the latest mediation discussions, the union has postponed a planned membership action day that had been scheduled for March 19.
United’s Vice President of Labour Relations, Nathan Lopp, also acknowledged the progress made in negotiations, stating:
“that although there is still work to do, the airline remains encouraged by the discussions and confident that talks are moving toward a new tentative agreement.”
While a final deal has yet to be reached, both United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants say negotiations are moving in a positive direction. With only a few issues remaining, the upcoming mediation session in Washington may prove crucial in finalising a long-awaited agreement for the airline’s cabin crew.
What do you think of the agreement reached? Let us know in the comments.
