The United Airlines strike may impact the flow of travel for the airline if approved. Here is what those flying the airline should know.
United Airlines has had many head-lining situations related to their staff. Over the years, those in the industry have side-eyed the airline due to these interesting situations. Although the airline is considered inclusive and a trusted company, sudden layoffs have been an issue.
United recently had a different staff problem that may lead to an uprising. United Airlines is currently in the process of wrapping up contracts, which have caused controversy. Amid negotiations, flight attendants are rallying to vote on a strike. Here is what travelers should know about the possible United Airlines strike.
On Tuesday, flight attendants at United Airlines made it clear that they were unhappy with the ongoing contract negotiations. The flight attendants, who are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), are considering a strike to get their needs met. There will be a strike authorization vote. This makes this the second incident where flight attendants at United will vote on a strike. The first time this happened was in 2005 after the bankruptcy negotiations at United Airlines. Since this potential strike situation has not happened in quite some time, it shows that the flight attendants are very serious about their contract being fair.
THE REASONS TO STRIKE
The reasons that the flight attendants are voting on a strike all boil down to unfair pay and working conditions. United’s flight attendants have not received raises since 2020. This stagnant pay has become a burden since some of the flight attendants struggle to pay basic bills. Boarding pay is another big issue. These workers are only paid for the work they do once they board the plane. This means that they are not compensated for helping with boarding or deplaning.
These are, understandably, big issues for the airline workers. Eight months ago, the company’s flight attendants filed for federal mediation. This move was supposed to help the flight attendants at United get a base pay increase, higher pay for all time at work, schedule flexibility, and more.
Since the mediation board has been involved, the staff members have tried to remedy the situation by striving for more equitable contracts. The possible United Airlines strike situation has steadily become more tense since federal law governs the airline industry. One hurdle is that the mediation board must permit flight attendants to strike. The negotiations are at a critical point, so the strike vote is an effort to show that the flight attendants are united.
WHEN THE STRIKES MIGHT OCCUR
It is up in the air whether or not a United Airlines strike will occur. Strike vote ballots will be sent out to the airline’s 28,000 flight attendants. The vote will happen for a prolonged period so that all the workers have a chance to contribute to the decision. The vote opens on August 1, 2024, and closes on August 28, 2024. It is important to note that the strike can not happen immediately even if flight attendants vote for it. Due to the Railway Labor Act, there is a 30-day period before any strike can occur.