United Airlines Flight Attendants Approve Strike Vote
Vote Comes Ahead of Busy Labor Day Weekend
Union Members Authorize Strike Action if Contract Negotiations Fail
United Airlines flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a nationwide strike, a move that could disrupt travel plans for millions of passengers ahead of the busy Labor Day weekend.
The vote, which was announced on Tuesday, August 16, 2023, authorizes the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) to call a strike if contract negotiations with United Airlines fail.
The union has been negotiating with United Airlines for months on a new contract that would address issues such as pay, benefits, and work rules.
AFA President Sara Nelson said in a statement that the strike vote was "a clear message to United Airlines that our members are serious about getting a fair contract."
"We have been negotiating in good faith for months, but United Airlines has refused to address our concerns," Nelson said.
United Airlines said in a statement that it was "disappointed" by the strike vote and that it remained "committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement with our flight attendants."
"We believe that a strike would be harmful to our customers, our employees, and the airline industry as a whole," the statement said.
The strike vote comes at a critical time for United Airlines, which is facing a surge in travel demand as the summer travel season comes to an end.
The Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and a strike by United Airlines flight attendants could cause major disruptions for travelers.
The AFA has not yet announced when it will call a strike, but it has said that it will give United Airlines at least 10 days' notice before any work stoppage.
The union is also continuing to negotiate with United Airlines, and it is possible that a strike could be averted if a new contract agreement is reached.
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