United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA reached an agreement on 23 May that would boost wages and improve the jobs of United’s 28,000 flight attendants if it is ratified, following negotiations between the airline and the union representing its members.
Good News for United Flight Attendants
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, a union representing 50,000 flight attendants at 20 different airlines in the United States, has called the agreement “industry-leading”. It boasts “40% of total economic improvements” within the first year, as well as retroactive pay, a signing bonus, and quality of life improvements such as better scheduling and on-call time, according to the AFA.
On March 19, the union held its Day of Action, in which its union members set up picket lines both virtually and in person at almost 20 airports across the United States to campaign for better wages, better working conditions, and more job security. Their yellow signs with slogans such as “Pay Us or Chaos” and “Corporate Greed Doesn’t Fly” inspired fellow cabin crew from other airlines, ground staff, and even passengers to join the picket lines. Last year, cabin crew members voted to authorise the union to strike if a deal was not reached, and also sought federal mediation in their negotiations.
Beyond pay and scheduling improvements, the agreement also addresses concerns around career stability. For many flight attendants, securing more job security is just as important as wage increases, as the profession is often subject to fluctuating travel demand and corporate restructuring. Strengthening job protections helps ensure that crew members can plan their futures with greater confidence while continuing to deliver safe and high-quality service to passengers.
United’s Response
United has thanked both negotiating teams and the National Mediation Board for working to reach the agreement. The CEO of United and former chairperson of Star Alliance, Scott Kirby, said the following regarding the agreement:
“Our flight attendants are the best in the industry and have earned an industry-leading contract. I often say they are the face of our operation and the role they play every day – to keep people safe and deliver great service – helps make United the biggest and best airline in aviation history.”
The deal comes at a critical time for both United and its cabin crew; despite record profits, United flight attendants have not had a raise since 2020, despite the increase in difficulty and workload of their profession since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Trump Administration has sought to weaken and abolish unions across many sectors, including the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.
Do you know anyone who works for United? What are your thoughts on the agreement? Share your thoughts in the comments.
