United Airlines has announced a tentative labor agreement described by their union as “industry-leading,” benefiting its 28,000 flight attendants, according to a statement released on Friday.
This proposed agreement features significant financial enhancements, including “40% of total economic improvements” in the first year, along with provisions for retroactive pay, a signing bonus, and various quality of life improvements such as enhanced scheduling practices and adjustments to on-call time, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA reported.
United’s flight attendants have faced a wage freeze since 2020, prompting frustration among cabin crew members.
In a significant move last year, flight attendants authorized their union to strike should negotiations fail, and they previously sought federal mediation to facilitate their discussions with the airline.
In the broader context, flight attendants across the U.S. have long advocated for wage increases, particularly after pilots and other workforce segments secured new contracts in the aftermath of the pandemic. Notably, United Airlines is now the last major carrier to reach a labor agreement with its flight attendants.
The agreement is subject to a vote by the flight attendants, and contract language is expected to be finalized in the coming days, United Airlines confirmed.
