United Airlines Flight Attendants Vote for Strike Authorization

United Airlines flight attendants have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, demanding better pay, job security, and improved contract terms.

CHICAGO (August 28, 2024) - United Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if the airline's management does not agree to significant contract improvements.

Key Vote Results

• Strike Vote Approval: 99.99% of flight attendants voted "yes" on strike authorization.
• Participation Rate: 90.21% of eligible flight attendants participated in the vote.
• The results were announced simultaneously at nearly 20 picket lines across airports in the U.S.

Union Demands

United flight attendants are demanding several key improvements in their new contract, including:

• Significant Base Pay Increases: Double-digit raises in base pay.
• Pay for Ground Time: Compensation for time spent working on the ground.
• Retroactive Pay: Back pay from the contract's amendable date.
• Schedule Flexibility: More flexibility in scheduling and better work rules.
• Job Security and Retirement Benefits: Stronger job security measures and enhanced retirement benefits.

Statement from Union Leadership

Ken Diaz, President of the United chapter of AFA, emphasized the importance of this vote:
“We deserve an industry-leading contract. Our strike vote shows we’re ready to do whatever it takes to reach the contract we deserve. We are the face of United Airlines, and planes don’t take off without us."

Diaz also criticized United’s management, saying, "The United management team gives themselves massive compensation increases while Flight Attendants struggle to pay basic bills. The 99.99% yes vote is a clear reminder that we are unified in the fight against corporate greed and ready to fight for our fair share of the profits we create.”

Next Steps: Possible Strike Action

Now that the strike authorization has been approved:

• The union could request a release from the National Mediation Board (NMB).
• This could trigger a 30-day "cooling off" period, leading to a strike deadline.
• The union may implement its CHAOS™ (Create Havoc Around Our System™) strategy, which allows strikes to occur without notice to management or passengers, potentially affecting the entire system or just a single flight.

Background and Context

• First Strike Vote Since 2005: This is the first time since the 2005 bankruptcy negotiations that United flight attendants have voted on strike authorization.
• Ongoing Mediation: United flight attendants filed for federal mediation over eight months ago and have been working under an amendable contract for nearly three years.

References

Statement from Ken Diaz, President of the United chapter of AFA.
Information on CHAOS™ strategy from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.
Recent strike votes and negotiations at other airlines, including American, Alaska, and Southwest.