United Flight Attendants Open Strike List Amid Contract Dispute
Global Protests by United Airlines Flight Attendants Amid Contract Negotiations
On December 19, 2024, United Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), held demonstrations at airports worldwide. The aim was to address ongoing concerns in their contract negotiations with the airline.
During this significant Day of Action, AFA leaders unveiled the G.U.T.S. – Gearing Up To Strike – list. This list is where Flight Attendants can register to be among the first called to strike, contingent upon release by the National Mediation Board.
The protests follow a striking 99.99% strike authorization vote by United Flight Attendants. This action comes at a time when United Airlines' stock has soared by over 150% this year, reaching an all-time high, coinciding with the airline’s most profitable day on December 1st. This occurs even as management seeks significant concessions from the Flight Attendants, which contrasts with public statements advocating for an industry-leading contract.
Proposed concessions include increasing the requirements for medical benefits eligibility, reducing sick leave coverage, decreasing guaranteed monthly hours, extending shifts, shortening rest periods between shifts, hiking medical premiums, and eliminating some medical plan options. Notably, no other United workgroup or industry peers have agreed to such concessions, suggesting these proposals are merely delay tactics.
Having filed for federal mediation nearly a year ago, United Flight Attendants have been operating under an amendable contract since 2021.
In an effort to inform the public about the issues faced by Flight Attendants, informational picketing took place across the nation as the peak holiday travel season approaches.
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The Association of Flight Attendants is a union dedicated entirely to Flight Attendant issues. Over its 79-year history, AFA has led efforts to enhance wages, benefits, and working conditions for Flight Attendants. Comprising 55,000 members, AFA is part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO, with a total membership of 700,000. More information can be found at www.afacwa.org.
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