As Labor Day approaches, United Airlines flight attendants have taken a bold step in labor negotiations by officially authorizing a strike. With an impressive 99.99% support from a turnout of 90.21% of the 28,000 unionized attendants, the move signals serious discontent over a lack of progress in contract discussions, which have been stalled since the previous contract expired three years ago.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), which represents the flight attendants, is advocating for a substantial pay increase that reflects the booming profitability of United Airlines. After posting significant revenue gains — including a reported $12.5 billion in operating revenue for 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year — these workers are pushing for a share of the profits they help generate. AFA-CWA is demanding a double-digit increase over the prospective new contract, in addition to higher wages for work performed outside of flights, such as preparation and wrap-up tasks.
Union representatives, including Ken Diaz, president of AFA’s United Master Executive Council, highlighted the disparity between executive compensation and worker salaries, indicating that CEO Scott Kirby earned approximately $18.57 million in 2023 — 299 times more than a median United worker. This staggering contrast has fueled union sentiments, with calls for a contract that prioritizes the needs of front-line employees.
“If we don’t negotiate fairly, we will be forced to act,” Diaz stated in a public announcement. “The 99.99 percent yes vote signals that we are unified against corporate greed, and we are ready to fight for our fair share of the profits we create.”
Despite the overwhelming strike authorization, a legal framework complicates the prospect of immediate work stoppages in the airline industry. The Railway Labor Act, which governs labor relations in the rail and airline sectors, requires a series of processes, including mediation and potential intervention by the federal government, before a strike can occur. Following the National Mediation Board’s (NMB) involvement, there must be a “cooling-off” period before the situation can escalate to a strike or lockout.
The AFA-CWA has a strategy known as CHAOS™ (Create Havoc Around Our System), designed to impact operations significantly without prior notice to management. If the NMB grants permission, the union can execute targeted strikes impacting specific flights or the entire network.
Following the strike authorization, union members organized informational pickets at key airports including Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, and San Francisco International, drawing public attention to their plight. As the countdown to Labor Day begins, it is unclear how these evolving dynamics will play out, but the steadfast resolve of the flight attendants is a clear indication of their readiness for potential action.
The situation at United Airlines is part of a broader trend within the airline industry, where workers are increasingly dissatisfied with their compensation and working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented financial challenges, yet as the industry rebounds, the disparity between executive pay and front-line worker wages continues to raise eyebrows.
As airlines post record profits and hire new workers to meet growing travel demand, employees across various sectors are mobilizing in search of fair compensation. A recent survey revealed that 55% of airline workers feel their pay does not reflect their contributions, highlighting the critical nature of this negotiation.
With Labor Day on the horizon, the relationship between flight attendants and United Airlines management hangs in the balance. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact not only the operations of one of the largest airlines in the U.S. but also set a precedent for labor relations in the airline industry moving forward.
If the ongoing negotiations remain unfruitful, a potential strike could disrupt travel arrangements for millions during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, marking a critical juncture in labor relations within the airline sector.
As the situation develops, the actions taken by both United Airlines and the flight attendants’ union will likely influence the broader landscape of labor negotiations in the airline industry. The decisions made in the coming days could shape the future of worker rights and corporate policies across the sector.
