United Airlines flight attendants recently approved a significant new labor contract that offers average pay raises of 31% over five years. This deal is crucial as it’s the final agreement among major airlines with unionized flight crews since the pandemic began.
Approximately 30,000 flight attendants will receive their first pay increases in nearly six years. The union reached a preliminary agreement back in March, following a rejection of an earlier contract last year. This time, about 82% of voting attendants backed the new contract.
Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants, highlighted how this contract will positively impact many employees, especially the new hires after the pandemic.
In this updated agreement, flight attendants will also receive boarding pay—compensation that begins as soon as travelers start boarding. This change addresses a long-standing issue where crews only received pay after the boarding door closed.
The details of the contract include a compensation rise of 7% to 8%, along with $741 million in back pay. Additionally, it aims to enhance quality of life for the attendants by limiting red-eye flights and providing pay during long disruptions.
According to a recent survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for flight attendants in the U.S. was around $30 in 2023, and with this new contract, that figure is set to significantly boost. As the airline industry continues to recover, employee satisfaction and well-being are becoming critical factors for companies looking to retain staff.
This contract reflects a broader trend in labor negotiations across various sectors, as workers demand better pay and conditions in the post-COVID world. Just a year ago, workers across industries were advocating for fair compensation, and the airline sector is no exception.
For further insights on labor trends, you can check out CNBC’s coverage on the evolving workplace.
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