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United Airlines flight attendants have approved a new five-year labor contract that promises their first pay raises in six years, along with the introduction of boarding pay-a significant change that compensates crew members for their pre-flight duties.
The agreement, ratified on Tuesday, covers nearly 30,000 United flight attendants and includes an average 31% pay increase starting this summer. Additionally, boarding pay will add roughly 7% to 8% more compensation, and the contract provides $741 million in retroactive pay, according to the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).
Ken Diaz, president of the union’s United chapter, highlighted the positive impact of the deal, especially for thousands of new hires since the pandemic. “Our solidarity delivered the goods,” he said.
Beyond pay increases, the contract also enhances job security, limits red-eye flights, guarantees pay for delays exceeding two and a half hours, raises retirement contributions, provides 10 weeks of paid parental leave, and eliminates 24-hour on-call reserve schedules.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and union leaders hailed the agreement-negotiated through mediation at the National Mediation Board-as an industry-leading milestone. Sara Nelson, president of the AFA, which represents over 55,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines, called it “the industry’s most valuable contract” for flight attendants.
Kirby expressed pride in the airline’s workforce in a LinkedIn post, stating, “United is lucky to have the best flight attendants in the world to represent our airline! I am very happy that they now have the industry-leading contract they deserve.”
Historically, many airlines did not compensate flight attendants for boarding time, despite their essential tasks such as assisting passengers, resolving seating issues, conducting safety checks, and preparing the cabin. Delta Air Lines was the first U.S. carrier to introduce boarding pay in 2022, followed by American and Alaska Airlines.
The issue gained wider attention last August when about 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike, forcing the cancellation of more than 3,100 flights. The strike ended with a landmark deal that included pay for boarding duties, setting a precedent that U.S. airlines are now following.