United Airlines and its flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. The agreement is noteworthy for its industry-leading compensation, offering flight attendants a significant financial boost with expected gains of 40% in the first year, according to Reuters. This breakthrough comes after the flight attendants had authorized a strike, emphasizing the necessity for a resolution.
The proposed contract also includes retroactive pay addressing compensation for time spent on the ground and other work-related hours, which was a crucial concern. Additionally, the deal covers improved work rules and enhanced scheduling flexibility, aiming for a better work-life balance for the workers. These improvements demonstrate a comprehensive effort to better the terms of employment for the flight attendants.
Union leadership is set to review the contract next week. If approved, it will advance to a membership ratification vote. This progression follows a period since 2020 without a raise for United Airlines' flight attendants, marking a potential end to lengthy negotiations aimed at securing improved compensation and working conditions.