In a recent development, United Airlines flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. This move came after more than 90% of union members in United’s chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA participated in the vote, supporting it nearly unanimously. While this indicates strong support for a potential strike, it is important to note that the vote does not mean that a strike is imminent. Under the Railway Labor Act, several more steps would need to unfold before United flight attendants could actually walk off the job, including the receipt of a formal release by the National Mediation Board (NMB).
It is worth mentioning that the use of strike authorization votes as a negotiating tactic is not exclusive to United Airlines. Alaska, Southwest, and American flight attendants have all employed similar strategies in recent rounds of labor negotiations. Southwest and Alaska have already completed new labor deals with their flight attendants, while American has entered into a tentative agreement with its own. The labor agreement between United and the AFA has been amendable since August 2021, with the union filing for mediation over eight months ago.
In response to the strike authorization vote, United Airlines emphasized that this does not automatically translate to a work stoppage. The airline stated that it remains committed to working towards an agreement with its flight attendants, with negotiations scheduled to take place regularly, including this week and every month through November. The airline highlighted that both parties have been actively engaged in negotiations facilitated by a federal mediator, expressing eagerness to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
On the other hand, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) has put forth a series of demands, including a double-digit base pay increase, retroactive pay to the amendable date, compensation for time worked on the ground, enhanced schedule flexibility, and other contract upgrades. The AFA president, Ken Diaz, criticized United’s management team for granting themselves substantial compensation increases while flight attendants struggle to meet basic financial obligations.
Overall, the authorization vote for a potential strike by United Airlines flight attendants reflects the escalating tensions between the union and the airline’s management. As negotiations continue and the mediation process unfolds, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the path towards a new labor agreement that addresses the concerns and priorities of all stakeholders involved.
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