As the airline industry slowly recovers from the turmoil of the pandemic, United Airlines and its flight crews face a new, potentially destructive conflict.
On Wednesday, the airline’s flight attendants gathered at airports across the country to protest for higher wages and better working conditions. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) union announced the result of a vote in which nearly 100% of participants voted in favor of a strike. It is the first time in nearly two decades that United Airlines flight attendants have voted on such a measure.
Background to the strike authorization: fight for fair pay
Tensions between United Airlines management and flight attendants are not new, but have reached new heights in recent months. The flight attendants’ union AFA requested mediation from the federal government over eight months ago because its members have been working under a flexible contract for nearly three years.
Ken Diaz, president of the AFA United Chapter, sharply criticized the company’s leadership in a statement, pointing out that management is giving itself massive raises while flight attendants struggle to pay their basic costs. He said the flight attendants’ overwhelming approval of the strike authorization was a clear sign that they were willing to fight for fair pay and better working conditions.
Union demands: higher wages, better conditions
The AFA’s core demands in the new collective agreement are diverse and include, among other things, a double-digit increase in basic salary, higher remuneration for on-site working hours, retroactive payment up to the transfer date, flexible working hours, job security and improved pension provision.
These demands reflect the growing dissatisfaction among flight attendants, which has increased in recent years. The union particularly highlights the demand for better pay for the time spent on the ground, as this time is currently often not adequately compensated.
Reaction from United Airlines: Negotiations continue
Although United Airlines confirmed that it had been authorized to strike, it stressed that there had been no work stoppages so far and that negotiations on a new collective agreement were ongoing.
In a press statement, the company stressed that it continues to work on an industry-leading collective agreement for its flight attendants and that both sides are actively participating in negotiations. These talks are being moderated by the National Mediation Board (NMB), which could also decide on authorizing a strike if negotiations fail.
CHAOS: A strategy with disruptive potential
If negotiations fail, the AFA could request dismissal from the NMB, which would initiate a 30-day “cooling off” period, which would set a deadline for the strike.
The union has also developed a strike strategy called CHAOS (Create Havoc Around Our System), which allows flight attendants to engage in flexible and unpredictable industrial action. CHAOS could lead to short-notice and unannounced strikes that would significantly impact not only management but also passengers. This strategy aims to create maximum confusion and disruption to airline operations, without knowing in advance the exact nature or timing of the strike action.
Historical parallels: Looking back at previous conflicts
The last major conflict between flight attendants and United Airlines management was nearly two decades ago. In 2005, flight attendants also voted on strike authorization during the airline’s bankruptcy negotiations.
At the time, the company was on the brink of financial ruin and negotiations were particularly tough. The current conflict has parallels, but this time both the flight attendants and the airline are in a different situation. The economic consequences of the pandemic have made working conditions more difficult for many in the aviation industry, increasing the pressure on management to take the union’s demands seriously.
The significance of the conflict for the industry
The conflict at United Airlines is not an isolated incident. Other major U.S. airlines, such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines, are experiencing similar disputes as flight attendants fight for new contracts. These strikes and negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for the entire industry, especially if they become an industry-wide phenomenon. Flight attendant unions are aware of their power, and the possibility of strikes during peak travel times, such as Labor Day, could put additional pressure on management.
While negotiations continue, the situation at United Airlines remains tense. The flight attendants are determined and ready to fight for their demands and, if necessary, take drastic measures such as a strike. The next few weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether an agreement can be reached or whether the airline is heading for significant disruptions in flight operations. In any case, this conflict shows once again the challenges facing the aviation industry today and how important it is to find fair and sustainable solutions for employees.
