4 days ago
United Flight Attendants to Receive More Pay, Benefits After Heated Contract Talks
The tentative agreement ends years of heated talks between flight attendants and United management. Just last year, flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.
United Airlines flight attendants are set to receive payscale raises that average about 27%, according to a tentative agreement posted Tuesday by the flight attendants' union.
For example, a first-year flight attendant at United will be paid $36.92 per hour, a 27.8% increase from the $28.88 hourly wage. A flight attendant who has worked at least 13 years with the airline will now receive $84.78 an hour, up from $67.11.
Voting for the new contract is set to start July 7 and will end July 29. If the contract is approved, then it will go into effect on July 30.
Along with raises, flight attendants will also receive boarding pay. One of the issues among flight attendants across the airline industry was a lack of boarding pay. Flight attendants have typically only been compensated for their work inside the plane.
The contract also includes provisions for healthcare and an increase in 401(k) matching. Flight attendants will also receive 10 weeks of paid maternity leave, along with two weeks for paid parental and adoption leave.
The agreement gives the union more say over hotel selection and the ability for flight attendants to select their own crew meals. Those meals will be of the same quality as those served to passengers in business class cabins.
Airlines Reach Agreements With Flight Attendants
United was one of the last U.S. airlines to be in contract negotiations with flight attendants. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines recently reached agreements with their respective flight attendant unions.
At times, negotiations became heated. Last August, United flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. However, United flight attendants couldn't immediately strike. The Railway Labor Act has a 30-day 'cooling off' period before any strikes can occur. The National Mediation Board also has to release flight attendants from negotiations.
United flight attendants also held multiple rallies at the carrier's hubs to advocate for more benefits.
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