United Airlines flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike should contract negotiations between their union and the airline fail.
Over 99 percent of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA members who took part in the vote did so in favor of the authorization. Some picketed after the vote Wednesday to get the word out about their demands.
We deserve an industry-leading contract. Our strike vote shows we’re ready to do whatever it takes to reach the contract we deserve,” Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA, said in a statement. “We are the face of United Airlines, and planes don’t take off without us. As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded what’s at stake if we don’t get this done.”
However, this does not mean that flight attendants are walking off the job immediately. The union needs to request a release from the National Mediation Board, and they would have a 30-day “cooling off period” before a strike begins.
“To be clear, there is no work stoppage or labor disruption,” United said. “Instead, off-duty flight attendants are exercising their right to conduct an informational picket.”
The AFA has a trademarked strategy known as CHAOS, or Create Havoc Around Our System, according to a news release, under which a strike could affect an entire airline or a single flight. In addition, the union decides when, where and how to strike without notice to management or passengers.
United flight attendants say they want a double-digit base pay increase, pay for all time they work, including on the ground, retroactive pay and schedule and retirement flexibility.
In a resounding show of unity and resolve, United Airlines flight attendants have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if ongoing contract negotiations between their union and the airline fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion. The vote, which saw over 99 percent of participating members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) express support for the authorization, marks a significant escalation in the union’s efforts to secure better terms for its members.
The overwhelming support for the strike authorization highlights the frustration and determination among United Airlines flight attendants. The union, representing nearly 25,000 flight attendants at United, has been in contract negotiations with the airline for several months, seeking improvements in pay, work conditions, and job security. Despite extensive talks, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, prompting the union to take this decisive step.
Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA, underscored the gravity of the situation in a statement following the vote. “We deserve an industry-leading contract. Our strike vote shows we’re ready to do whatever it takes to reach the contract we deserve,” Diaz said. “We are the face of United Airlines, and planes don’t take off without us. As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded what’s at stake if we don’t get this done.”
Diaz’s words echo the sentiments of many in the airline industry, where flight attendants have increasingly voiced concerns over pay disparities, demanding fair compensation for all the time they dedicate to their jobs, including time spent on the ground preparing for flights. The union’s demands include a double-digit base pay increase, retroactive pay, and greater flexibility in scheduling and retirement options.
While the vote to authorize a strike is a significant development, it does not mean that United Airlines flight attendants will immediately walk off the job. The process for initiating a strike is complex and involves several additional steps.
First, the union must request a release from the National Mediation Board (NMB), the federal agency responsible for mediating labor disputes in the airline and railway industries. If the NMB grants the release, a 30-day “cooling-off period” would begin, during which further negotiations could take place in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Only after this cooling-off period, and if no agreement is reached, could a strike legally begin.
United Airlines has sought to reassure passengers and investors that a work stoppage is not imminent. “To be clear, there is no work stoppage or labor disruption,” the airline said in a statement. “Instead, off-duty flight attendants are exercising their right to conduct an informational picket.”
However, the authorization of a strike is a powerful bargaining tool, signaling to United management that the union is prepared to escalate the dispute if necessary. The threat of a strike, particularly during a busy travel period like Labor Day, places significant pressure on the airline to come to the negotiating table with a more favorable offer for flight attendants.
One of the most potent tools in the AFA-CWA’s arsenal is its trademarked CHAOS strategy, which stands for “Create Havoc Around Our System.” This strategy allows the union to strike in a way that is unpredictable and disruptive, making it difficult for the airline to manage and minimize the impact.
Under the CHAOS strategy, the union can decide when, where, and how to strike, without prior notice to management or passengers. This could mean anything from a full-scale strike affecting all United flights to a more targeted approach, where only certain flights or routes are impacted. The unpredictability of CHAOS creates a sense of uncertainty, making it a formidable tactic in labor negotiations.
For passengers, the prospect of a CHAOS strike could be unsettling, as it raises the possibility of sudden cancellations or delays. However, the union typically uses CHAOS as a last resort, preferring to reach a negotiated agreement rather than disrupt travel for passengers.
The United Airlines contract dispute is part of a broader trend in the airline industry, where labor unions representing flight attendants, pilots, and other workers are increasingly vocal about their demands for better pay and working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of the issues facing airline workers, including long hours, stressful working conditions, and health risks.
As the airline industry recovers from the pandemic and passenger demand returns to pre-pandemic levels, unions are leveraging their bargaining power to push for improved contracts. The outcome of the United Airlines negotiations could set a precedent for other airlines, potentially leading to a wave of labor actions across the industry.
For United Airlines, the stakes are high. A prolonged labor dispute or strike could significantly disrupt its operations, leading to financial losses and damage to its reputation. On the other hand, reaching a fair agreement with its flight attendants could boost morale and improve employee relations, ultimately benefiting the airline in the long run.
The vote to authorize a strike is a pivotal moment in the ongoing contract negotiations between United Airlines and its flight attendants. It underscores the determination of the AFA-CWA to secure a contract that reflects the value and contributions of its members. As the Labor Day travel rush begins, all eyes will be on United Airlines to see how it responds to the union’s demands and whether a resolution can be reached before a strike becomes a reality.
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For passengers and industry observers, the situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that flight attendants play in the airline industry. Without them, planes don’t take off, and the smooth operation of air travel comes to a halt. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether United Airlines can avoid a strike and reach an agreement that satisfies both the company and its dedicated flight attendants.