Wednesday, July 2, 2025
As the date for the United Airlines (UA) labor vote draws near, flight attendants are feeling mounting pressure from union representatives, particularly as the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) pushes for support for a new labor contract. Scheduled for July 7, 2025, the vote on the tentative agreement will affect 26,000 flight attendants, but the union’s aggressive tactics are causing growing frustration among the workforce. With several major hubs, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), witnessing heightened union activity, tension is building ahead of the final decision.
Tensions Rise as Union Representatives Approach Crew Members
In the days leading up to the vote, AFA representatives have been actively approaching flight attendants at airport gates to promote the new tentative contract. While the union is seeking to rally support, some attendants feel pressured and uncomfortable, as they are confronted during their shifts. The union’s strategy has created an atmosphere of unease, with some crew members describing the encounters as aggressive and intrusive.
The situation gained attention when an anonymous flight attendant shared a detailed account of one such interaction in a private Facebook group, which was later circulated on Reddit. The post highlighted the forceful approach of the union, with some attendants feeling cornered and uncomfortable while on duty. Several crew members tried to avoid the conversation, but were still approached, fueling resentment towards the union’s campaign tactics.
Despite the unease, the AFA continues to press for approval of a contract that has been under negotiation for five years. Although union officials tout financial improvements, many flight attendants are skeptical of both the union’s approach and the terms of the deal.
Proposed Contract Offers Key Benefits but Raises Concerns
The tentative agreement includes several major benefits for United Airlines flight attendants, including:
- A 26.9% average pay increase
- Boarding pay set at 50% of the hourly flight rate
- Retroactive bonuses and increased per diem allowances
- The preservation of the current bidding system for flight assignments
- New downtown layover hotel accommodations
While these terms have been hailed by the union as significant, many flight attendants remain dissatisfied with aspects of the agreement. A primary concern is the lack of compensation for ground duty, which would compensate attendants for all time spent working, not just during flight hours. While the new boarding pay has been seen as an improvement, many argue that it does not meet earlier expectations set by the union.
A crew member shared their frustration online after a union representative dismissed concerns about ground duty pay, stating that other roles “don’t go anywhere.” This comment has only deepened the resentment among the workforce, as many flight attendants feel that their concerns are being minimized.
Comparisons to Other Airline Deals Fuel Discontent
As the vote approaches, United Airlines flight attendants are drawing comparisons between their proposed contract and those secured by flight crews at American Airlines (AA) and Southwest Airlines (WN). Some believe the contracts at AA and WN offer more favorable terms, prompting calls for the rejection of the United deal and a return to the bargaining table.
In addition to pay disparities, some attendants are concerned about changes to hotel arrangements during layovers and the increasing on-call expectations outlined in the agreement. These issues have raised alarms about the impact on work-life balance, with many fearing that these changes could worsen already demanding schedules.
Despite efforts by the union to clarify these points, many flight attendants feel that the explanations are inadequate or have come too late to address their concerns.
Union Defends the Agreement, But Uncertainty Remains
The AFA has defended the tentative agreement, asserting that it represents a historic improvement for flight attendants. According to union spokespeople, the contract is “richer than any other at United or any other airline.” The union claims that much of the opposition is based on misinformation and misunderstandings about the terms of the deal.
However, many flight attendants remain unconvinced. Some continue to voice their displeasure with both the union’s campaigning tactics and the contract itself. As one flight attendant expressed online, “HELL NO.” This sentiment echoes the widespread feeling that the agreement, while offering some improvements, falls short of expectations in addressing crucial issues such as ground duty compensation and work-life balance.
With the vote scheduled to take place on July 7, the outcome remains uncertain. The result will largely depend on whether enough flight attendants view the deal as a substantial win or whether they feel it is a missed opportunity to secure better terms. If the vote results in rejection, it could prompt further negotiations and a re-evaluation of the union’s strategies.
The Future of Labor Relations at United Airlines
The final vote could have significant implications for labor relations at United Airlines. If the deal is approved, it may mark the end of years of negotiations, but if it is rejected, it could spark additional rounds of bargaining. Flight attendants, many of whom feel disconnected from the union’s approach, will continue to be key players in shaping the future of labor relations at the airline. As tensions rise ahead of the vote, one thing is clear—this labor agreement has created a divide within the workforce, and the final decision will determine the path forward for United Airlines flight attendants.
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