United Airlines flight attendants, including those based in Colorado, overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike authorization, highlighting ongoing concerns about contract negotiations with the airline.
The vote, held at Denver International Airport on Wednesday morning, was nearly unanimous, with 99.99% of attendees voting in favor and more than 90% of the union’s 28,000 members participating.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) has been negotiating for increases in pay, job security, retirement benefits, and other critical aspects of their jobs. Despite United Airlines’ significant profits, the union claims that management has delayed addressing their concerns, leading to employee dissatisfaction.
“In 40 years, we have not had a strike vote,” said Chris Burton, the president of the local council union, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The vote represents the first strike authorization since the 2005 bankruptcy negotiations, demonstrating the flight attendants’ resolve.
Following the vote, United Airlines issued a statement emphasizing its ongoing efforts to reach a resolution. “We continue to work toward an industry-leading agreement for our flight attendants,” stated Russell Carlton, United’s Corporate Communications Manager. He stated that negotiations, facilitated by a federal mediator, have been ongoing and are expected to continue through November.
Although the strike is authorized, federal law prohibits an immediate work stoppage. The National Mediation Board must first grant a release from mediation, followed by a 30-day cooling off period before any potential strike action. This procedure ensures that both parties have exhausted all options for negotiation before a strike can be legally implemented.
As the Labor Day travel weekend approaches, the timing of the vote emphasizes the pressure on United Airlines to reach an agreement. With hundreds of thousands of passengers expected to pass through Denver International Airport and other major hubs, a strike could significantly disrupt operations.
“As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded what’s at stake if we don’t get this done,” said Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA.
The union’s vote is part of a broader wave of labor actions across the airline industry, where workers are increasingly pushing for better pay and working conditions. The outcome of the vote may result in a request for a strike deadline, escalating tensions as United Airlines flight attendants continue to fight for a fair share of the airline’s profits.
New York Post, CBS News and Association of Flight Attendants-CWA contributed to the report.
