United Airlines Flight Attendant Agreement: A Historic Deal for 28,000 Employees

On May 23, 2025, United Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), and United Airlines reached a groundbreaking tentative agreement. The deal is historic in nature, covering over 28,000 employees who will benefit from improved working conditions, compensation, and benefits.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

The tentative agreement includes several significant provisions that address the concerns and demands of the flight attendants. Some of the key highlights include:

1. Improved Working Conditions

• The agreement ensures that flight attendants will be provided with a safe working environment, including adequate staffing levels, sufficient breaks, and reasonable workloads.
• United Airlines has committed to reducing crew rest requirements, allowing employees to have more time off between flights.

2. Compensation and Benefits

• Flight attendants will receive an increase in base pay, as well as additional compensation for overtime work.
• The agreement also includes improved benefits, such as enhanced pension plans, medical coverage, and paid time off.

3. Scheduling and Job Security

• United Airlines has agreed to implement a more flexible scheduling system, allowing flight attendants to have more control over their schedules.
• The deal also includes provisions for job security, ensuring that employees will not face unfair terminations or disciplinary actions.

4. Health and Safety

• Flight attendants will be provided with access to comprehensive health insurance coverage, including mental health support.
• United Airlines has committed to improving its safety record, including investing in new technology and training programs.

Impact of the Agreement

The tentative agreement is a significant victory for United Airlines Flight Attendants. The deal demonstrates the union's commitment to protecting employees' rights and interests.

For flight attendants, this agreement represents a major improvement in working conditions, compensation, and benefits. The deal provides much-needed support for an industry that has historically been subject to challenging working hours, inadequate staffing levels, and limited job security.

United Airlines Response

United Airlines issued a statement welcoming the tentative agreement, emphasizing its commitment to its employees:

"We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. This deal demonstrates our dedication to providing our flight attendants with the support and resources they need to succeed in their roles. We look forward to finalizing the agreement and moving forward with implementation."

Next Steps

The tentative agreement will undergo a formal ratification process, during which United Airlines Flight Attendants will vote on whether to accept or reject the deal.

Once ratified, the agreement will be implemented, bringing significant improvements to working conditions, compensation, and benefits for over 28,000 employees.