United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA have come to a tentative agreement that could bring better pay and working conditions for 28,000 flight attendants. The new deal, once approved, will offer higher wages, a signing bonus, and improvements to schedules and quality of life. The proposed contract will remain in place for five years before becoming open to changes.
The full version of the contract will be completed in the coming days. After this, the agreement must go through the approval of the union’s Master Executive Council, which includes Local Presidents from across the system. If the council supports the agreement, it will then be presented to all flight attendants for ratification.
Improved pay and better working conditions
If approved, the contract will give United flight attendants top pay levels in the sector. Along with higher wages, they would receive a signing bonus. Changes to their schedules and other work rules would also give them more control over their time and improve their day-to-day responsibilities.
In his statement, United CEO Scott Kirby said, “Our flight attendants are the best in the industry and have earned an industry-leading contract.” He also shared, “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.”
These changes will help support the roles of cabin crew who serve as both safety leaders and frontline service staff. With better pay and changes in how schedules are created, flight attendants may gain more stable work hours and better rest time.
Approval process before implementation
Before the agreement can take effect, the Master Executive Council must review and approve the final contract. Only then will it be sent to all flight attendants for their vote. If the majority supports it, the contract will go into effect, with changes being applied to both pay and work conditions.
United acknowledged the work of both sides in getting to this point. The company also thanked the National Mediation Board for its help in completing the deal. Talks between United and the union lasted several months before this agreement came together.
This deal represents a step toward better pay and conditions for United’s large group of flight attendants. It now moves to the next phase, where union leadership and members will decide its outcome.
