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Labor Day travel thrown into chaos as United Airlines flight attendants vote to strike
United Airlines flight attendants have voted in favor of going on a strike in hopes of having their demands met - throwing Labor Day travel, where 17 million are expected to head to the airport, into absolute chaos.
The employees, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, are demanding job-related improvements including significant pay increases, compensation for time at work outside of flights, schedule flexibility and job security.
In order to further their cause, attendants voted 99.99 percent in favor of going on strike on August 28.
Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA, said in a statement: 'We deserve an industry-leading contract. Our strike vote shows we're ready to do whatever it takes to reach the contract we deserve.
Cabin attendants were spotted today outside Newark Liberty International Airport - one of United's primary airports - carrying signs in protest
'We are the face of United Airlines and planes don't take off without us.
'As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded what's at stake if we don't get this done.
'The United management team gives themselves massive compensation increases while Flight Attendants struggle to pay basic bills.
'The 99.99 percent yes vote is a clear reminder that we are unified in the fight against corporate greed and ready to fight for our fair share of the profits we create.'
Cabin attendants were spotted today outside Newark Liberty International Airport - one of United's primary airports - carrying signs in protest.
The employees, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, are demanding job-related improvements including significant pay increases, compensation for time at work outside of flights, schedule flexibility and job security
Melissa Chipchak, a United flight attendant, said: 'We are here fighting for an industry-leading contract, industry-leading pay that we were promised years ago'
Melissa Chipchak, a United flight attendant, told NBC: 'We are here fighting for an industry-leading contract, industry-leading pay that we were promised years ago.
'Lot of folks don't know that flight attendants do not get paid for all the time they are on-duty. They only get paid for the flight time when door closes.'
A United Airlines representative also told DailyMail.com: 'The informational picket by flight attendants was two days ago and involved no disruption of any kind.
'Under US law there can only be a strike if permission is granted by the National Mediation Board, which has not even been requested, much less granted.'
After this week, the union will be allowed to walk away from federally mandated negotiations.
After this week, the union will be allowed to walk away from federally mandated negotiations
The union would now ask the National Mediation Board to release them into a 30-day 'cooling-off' period, which would set a potential strike deadline
The union would now ask the National Mediation Board to release them into a 30-day 'cooling-off' period, which would set a potential strike deadline.
But United Airlines flight attendants are not the first to demand better job benefits.
Last Christmas, the union representing 26,000 American Airlines flight attendants, escalated its threat to strike during the busy travel season, saying the carrier is stalling contract negotiations.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants had issued a November 17 deadline for AA to 'make significant and meaningful moves to reach an agreement' on a new deal.
They were successful in their demands and in July 2024, American Airlines and the union representing its flight attendants said they have reached agreement on a new contract that includes pay raises.
After the agreement was announced, President Joe Biden said the new deal would help avoid a strike that would have hurt the US economy and consumers.