United Airlines plane at Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants–CWA announced a tentative agreement for a new contract that will include industry-leading pay, a signing bonus, and a series of improvements in working conditions, including better scheduling and work-life balance for approximately 28,000 flight attendants.
The parties are expected to complete the final drafting of the agreement in the coming days. The agreement will then be presented for approval by the union's executive council, which includes all local branch presidents. If approved, the proposal will be put to a vote by all the company's flight attendants.
If approved, the new contract will be in effect for five years before it can be reopened for negotiations.
CEO of United, Scott Kirby, commented on the achievement, saying:
"Our flight attendants are the best in the industry, and they deserve the most leading agreement in the industry. They are the face of our operations, and every day they keep passengers safe and provide excellent service – that is why United is the biggest and best company in aviation history."
United expressed gratitude to the negotiating teams and the National Mediation Board for helping to reach the understandings.
United is the largest airline in the world (by available seats), operating the most extensive global route network among North American companies. The company has major operational hubs in Chicago, New York/Newark, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.