United Airlines flight attendants have voted to strike in hopes of having their demands met, throwing Labor Day travel, when 17 million people are expected to flock to the airport, into chaos.
The employees, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, are demanding improvements in working conditions that include significant pay increases, compensation for off-flight work time, flexible hours and job security.
To further their cause, protesters voted 99.99 percent in favor of striking on August 28.
Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA, said in a statementWe deserve an industry-leading contract. Our strike vote shows that we are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the contract we deserve.
Flight attendants were seen outside Newark Liberty International Airport, one of United’s main airports, today holding signs in protest.
‘We are the face of United Airlines and planes don’t take off without us.
‘As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded of what’s at stake if we don’t get this done.
‘United’s management team gives itself massive pay raises while flight attendants struggle to pay basic bills.
‘The 99.99 percent yes vote is a clear reminder that we are united in the fight against corporate greed and ready to fight for our fair share of the profits we create.’
Flight attendants were seen outside Newark Liberty International Airport, one of United’s main airports, today carrying signs in protest.
The employees, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, are demanding improvements in working conditions that include significant pay increases, compensation for time spent working outside of flights, flexible hours and job security.
United flight attendant Melissa Chipchak said: “We’re here fighting for an industry-leading contract, an industry-leading wage that we were promised years ago.”
United flight attendant Melissa Chipchak said: NBC‘We’re here fighting for an industry-leading contract and an industry-leading salary that was promised to us years ago.
“Many people don’t realize that flight attendants don’t get paid for the entire time they’re on duty. They only get paid for the time in flight when the door closes.”
A United Airlines representative also told DailyMail.com: ‘The flight attendant informational picket was two days ago and did not involve any disruption of any kind.
‘Under US law, a strike can only take place if permission is granted by the National Mediation Board, which has not even been requested, let alone granted.’
After this week, the union will be able to withdraw from federally mandated negotiations.
After this week, the union will be able to withdraw from mandatory federal bargaining.
The union is now seeking to ask the National Mediation Board to release them from a 30-day “cooling-off” period, which would set a possible deadline for a strike.
The union is now seeking to ask the National Mediation Board to release them from a 30-day “cooling-off” period, which would set a possible deadline for a strike.
But United Airlines flight attendants aren’t the first to demand better benefits.
Last Christmas, the union representing 26,000 American Airlines flight attendants stepped up its threat to strike during the busy travel season, saying the airline is stalling contract negotiations.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants had issued a deadline of November 17 for AA to “make significant and meaningful moves to reach agreement” on a new deal.
They were successful in their demands and in July 2024, American Airlines and the union representing its flight attendants said they had reached an agreement on a new contract that includes pay increases.
After the deal was announced, President Joe Biden said the new agreement would help avoid a strike that would have hurt the economy and American consumers.
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