United Airlines has now publicly outlined its position in ongoing contract negotiations with flight attendants, and while the airline insists it is pushing toward an “industry-leading” agreement, the details reveal a tradeoff for cabin crews: raises paired with structural tradeoffs that alter reserve pay and scheduling control. Let’s unpack what is going on.
United opened by thanking flight attendants for their work during the busy holiday travel season and reiterated that it wants to deliver an industry-leading contract while remaining competitive. The airline said the union’s current economic proposal would place United at a disadvantage relative to peers, prompting management to present a counterproposal that attempts to balance cost and compensation.
United again emphasized that the previously rejected tentative agreement would have delivered industry-leading pay among unionized U.S. carriers for the duration of the contract. Management stressed that flight attendants “have waited too long” for raises and said it remains focused on implementing pay increases as soon as possible.
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