United Airlines flight attendants overwhelmingly vote to strike
United Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (CWA), have voted overwhelmingly to go on strike.
Chicago, Illinois – United Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have voted overwhelmingly to approve a Work strike in their fight for a fair contract.
United flight attendants hold signs reading “Pay us or chaos” and “Corporate greed is unacceptable” after landing in London, UK. © Screenshot/X/@AFAUnitedMEC
99.99% of AFA United members voted to authorize the strike, with over 90% of members participating, the union announced Wednesday.
“We deserve an industry-leading contract. Our strike vote shows that we are willing to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve,” Ken Diaz, president of the United affiliate of the AFA, said in a statement.
The flight attendants are demanding significant wage increases, ground hour bonuses, more flexible working hours, better job security and more.
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“United’s management team is giving themselves massive raises while flight attendants are struggling to pay basic bills,” Diaz said.
“The 99.99% yes vote is clear evidence that we are united in the fight against corporate greed and ready to fight for our fair share of the profits we generate.”
United flight attendants send a message ahead of Labor Day
United flight attendants demonstrate in Las Vegas, Nevada for better wages and working conditions. © Screenshot/X/@AFAUnitedMEC
The vote to authorize the strike came ahead of a busy Labor Day weekend, although an actual work stoppage is not expected to occur immediately, if at all.
The AFA and United management are currently in negotiations before the National Mediation Board. If an official clearance for talks is given, the two sides would enter a 30-day cooling-off period.
The Railroad Labor Act also allows the president and Congress to intervene to block or delay a strike, as they did with railroad workers in late 2022.
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Nevertheless, the timing of the authorization vote on Wednesday is a strong signal.
“We are the face of United Airlines, and without us, no planes will take off,” warned Diaz. “As travel begins on Labor Day, United management will be reminded of what is at stake if we don’t get this right.”
