United Airlines flight attendants rejected a proposed labor contract offering immediate raises of at least 26%, along with other quality-of-life improvements, their union announced Tuesday. The group last received a raise in 2020. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents about 28,000 United cabin crew members, had reached a tentative deal with the airline in May.
Ken Diaz, president of the union’s United chapter, said the vote sent a strong message to management, noting the contract did not sufficiently address the sacrifices and efforts made by flight attendants to contribute to the airline’s success. Of the 92% of eligible voters who participated, 71% rejected the agreement. The union plans to survey members to identify key contract priorities moving forward. United Airlines stated it will continue working with the union to secure a contract, emphasizing that the tentative agreement already includes significant improvements and competitive pay.