United Airlines flight attendants are making their voices heard as they demand new contracts instead of focusing on the airline’s new business class. A group of around twelve uniformed cabin crew members protested at a company event in New York on Tuesday, coinciding with the launch of United’s new luxury seats. The protesters vocalized their demands for new contracts and even suggested shutting down the company if their requests were not met.
The protest brought attention to an ongoing labor dispute at the airline. United has not provided raises to its flight attendants in the past five years, and their contracts became amendable in 2021. Negotiations have been drawn out, leading to multiple demonstrations this year.
At the event, security intervened and ordered the protestors to leave immediately. One individual was accused of trespassing by a cabin member. United confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken against the protestors, and their pay was not reduced.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) has been vocal about their frustration with the situation for months. In March, one of their local council presidents, Scott Pejas, led a protest stating, “We’re at the bargaining table, and we’re demanding quality of work rules and also the raises that we deserve.”
The AFA-CWA also expressed their displeasure with the new business class suites, stating that the announcement was adding “insult to injury.” AFA International President Sara Nelson and United AFA President Ken Diaz criticized CEO Scott Kirby for demanding concessions while receiving a significant increase in compensation. The union is requesting significant double-digit base pay increases, more schedule flexibility, job security, and improvements to retirement plans. They are also seeking compensation for work dating back to when their contracts became amendable.
While employees are frustrated with the situation, United maintains that they are committed to creating a satisfactory contract for their flight attendants. “We remain eager to reach the industry-leading contract our flight attendants deserve,” United told DailyMail.com. “Productive negotiations with the AFA are continuing this week, and we continue to find common ground.”
In addition to the contract issues, United’s new Polaris Studio suites, which will debut on routes from San Francisco to London and Singapore by the end of the year, have also caused controversy. These seats are 25 percent larger than the current business class seats and come with luxury perks such as caviar, champagne, tapas, face masks, and designer pajamas. The cabins will also have access to Wi-Fi through Starlink, a service that United recently debuted on select flights.
Apart from these developments, United has also received criticism for its decision to cut four in every 100 flights this year due to a decline in US travel demand. As negotiations continue and employees push for better contracts, it remains to be seen how United will address these concerns and maintain its status as a leading airline.