United Flight Attendants Protest Stock Buybacks, Demand Contract Action
CHICAGO (October 15, 2024) — In response to United Airlines' recent decision to initiate a stock buyback, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) has voiced strong opposition. AFA International President Sara Nelson and United AFA President Ken Diaz have expressed their discontent, highlighting the implications of this financial maneuver.
The leaders emphasized, "Stock buybacks were banned during the COVID relief period, which allowed airlines to prioritize operations and negotiate new contracts. However, while other employee groups have secured agreements, Flight Attendants remain without a contract."
Concerns have been raised regarding the broader implications of stock buybacks on workers and consumers. According to Nelson and Diaz, this move mirrors actions by a hedge fund aiming to control Southwest Airlines, setting a precedent that United Airlines is now following.
Amidst ongoing negotiations, United Airlines Flight Attendants have shown overwhelming support for a potential strike, with a 99.99% vote authorizing such action. The union leaders have called for United's CEO, Scott Kirby, to expedite negotiations, noting that the current proposals include concessions not seen in other airline workgroups.
Nelson and Diaz conveyed that the funds allocated for Wall Street should instead support the Flight Attendants who have been pivotal during the pandemic and the recovery phase. They stated, "United management could resolve this issue by agreeing to the deserved contract, but instead, they are aligning with those seeking to exploit workers."
To further their cause, the union plans to bring their concerns directly to United Airlines' executives at the Willis Tower on Thursday, highlighting the urgency of their demands. They concluded with a clear message: It's imperative for United to meet their contractual needs or face potential disruptions, tagged as CHAOS™.
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The Association of Flight Attendants is a dedicated Flight Attendant union, leading advancements in the profession for over 79 years. Representing 55,000 members as part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO, AFA is committed to improving wages, benefits, and working conditions. For more information, visit www.afacwa.org.
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