United Airlines Flight Attendants to Vote on Strike Authorization Amid Contract Negotiations

United Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, will vote on a potential strike if a new employment contract isn't reached. The voting period runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 28. Flight attendants seek substantial pay increases and improved working conditions. Final strike authorization requires National Mediation Board approval.

United Airlines flight attendants will vote on whether to authorize a strike if a new employment contract cannot be finalized, their union announced on Tuesday. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), representing 28,000 flight attendants at the Chicago-based airline, stated that voting will commence on Aug. 1 and conclude on Aug. 28.

The previous contract became eligible for amendment in August 2021. 'United flight attendants can't afford to wait for improvements,' said Ken Diaz, president of AFA's United chapter. 'We deserve an industry-leading contract, and we are ready to show United management that we will do whatever it takes.' United did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

The union noted that strike authorization votes have expedited contract negotiations at other airlines including Alaska, Southwest, and American Airlines. United's flight attendants, who sought federal mediation last year, are demanding significant base pay increases, increased pay for all work hours, retroactive pay, schedule flexibility, and improved work rules.

Even with authorization, flight attendants cannot strike unless the National Mediation Board (NMB) grants them permission. This board must first determine whether the parties are at an impasse and if further negotiations would be unproductive. This does complicate the ability for airline workers to strike.

Last year, the NMB denied a similar request by flight attendants from American Airlines to be released from federal mediation.

(With inputs from agencies.)