The recent vote by United Airlines flight attendants, with more than 90% of union members in United’s chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA participating and supporting it nearly unanimously, has authorized a strike. However, it is important to note that this does not mean a strike is imminent. Under the Railway Labor Act, which regulates strike actions in the airline industry, there are several more steps that would need to take place before United flight attendants could walk off the job.
Even though the strike authorization vote has raised the stakes during formal mediation sessions between United and the union, it does not automatically lead to a work stoppage. The airline has emphasized that it continues to work toward an agreement with its flight attendants, holding negotiations regularly to reach a resolution.
The use of strike authorization votes as a negotiating tactic in the airline industry is not unique to United Airlines. Alaska, Southwest, and American flight attendants have all utilized this strategy in recent labor negotiations. While Southwest and Alaska have successfully completed new labor deals, American has entered into a tentative agreement with its flight attendants.
The Association of Flight Attendants is demanding a double-digit base pay increase, retroactive pay to the amendable date, pay for time at work on the ground, more schedule flexibility, and other contract upgrades. The union argues that while the United management team has granted themselves significant compensation increases, the flight attendants are struggling to meet their basic financial obligations.
The authorization of a strike by United Airlines flight attendants serves as a clear indication of the ongoing labor disputes within the company. While negotiations continue between the airline and the union, the demands of the flight attendants highlight the disparities in compensation and conditions between the two parties. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming months and whether a resolution can be reached to avoid any potential work stoppages.