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Overview of Contract Rejection

United Airlines flight attendants have overwhelmingly rejected a tentative labor agreement that included immediate wage raises of at least 26%, along with other workplace improvements. The vote, announced Tuesday by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), came despite the proposed contract marking a major pay increase for the airline’s cabin crew.

Voting Breakdown and Union Response

Out of the approximately 28,000 flight attendants represented by the union, 92% of eligible voters participated in the balloting. Among them, 71% voted against the contract, underscoring deep dissatisfaction within the workforce.

Ken Diaz, president of the union’s United chapter, characterized the rejection as a “strong message” to United Airlines management. Diaz criticized the deal for failing to adequately compensate flight attendants for years of sacrifices and hard work that have contributed to the airline’s success.

He also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive survey of union members to identify specific contract improvements that would address their key concerns.

Background and Context

Flight attendants at United last received a raise in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, labor negotiations have been ongoing, with flight attendants pushing for substantial wage increases and better working conditions.

Other airline employee groups—including pilots and flight attendants at competing carriers—have successfully secured new labor agreements in the post-pandemic recovery period. United’s flight attendants had authorized the union to call a strike last year if a deal was not reached and had also sought federal mediation to facilitate talks.

United Airlines’ Position

In response to the vote, United Airlines released a statement affirming its commitment to continuing negotiations. The airline highlighted that the tentative agreement contained “numerous improvements and industry-leading pay” for flight attendants.

The company also acknowledged that the union’s rejection would delay finalizing a contract but expressed readiness to work with the AFA and the National Mediation Board to resume bargaining. United emphasized its goal of delivering a contract that fairly compensates its flight attendants.

Outlook and Industry Implications

The rejection signals ongoing labor unrest at United Airlines, one of the largest U.S. carriers navigating post-pandemic recovery amid inflationary pressures and rising operational costs. The flight attendants’ decision adds complexity to United’s labor relations at a critical time when the industry is striving to balance employee demands with financial sustainability.

As talks resume, both sides face pressure to find common ground and avoid disruptions that could affect flight operations and customer experience.