United Airlines flight attendants have ratified a new five-year labor contract that includes an average 31% pay increase, boarding pay worth an additional 7% to 8% in compensation on average, and $741 million in retroactive pay. The agreement, which was ratified on Tuesday according to CBS News, covers nearly 30,000 flight attendants at United.
Key Takeaways
United Airlines flight attendants have ratified a new five-year contract that includes a 31% pay increase and introduces boarding pay for the first time in six years. The agreement covers nearly 30,000 flight attendants and was approved by 82% of voters.
- United Airlines flight attendants ratify new five-year contract with 31% average raises to base pay by August
- Contract includes boarding pay, worth an additional 7% to 8% in compensation on average and $741 million in retroactive pay
- The deal also secures expanded job security, restrictions on red-eye flying, pay for lengthy delays over 2.5 hours, higher retirement contributions, and 10 weeks paid parental leave
The contract marks the first pay increase for United's flight attendants in six years and introduces boarding pay, a long-sought change that compensates crew members for their work before the plane leaves the gate. The deal also includes expanded job security, restrictions on red-eye flying, pay for lengthy delays over 2.5 hours, higher retirement contributions, 10 weeks paid parental leave, and the elimination of 24-hour on-call reserve schedules.
The contract was reached through mediation at the National Mediation Board according to CBS News and Reuters. Both United CEO Scott Kirby and union leaders say the agreement sets a new benchmark in the industry. Ken Diaz, president of the Association of Flight Attendants' United chapter, said the contract will immediately change the lives of United flight attendants.
United Airlines is now leading the industry with this contract according to Sara Nelson, president of the AFA which represents more than 55,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines. The union said that 82% voted in favor of the new deal and close to 90% of them voting as reported by Reuters and CNBC.
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