United flight attendants vote against ‘industry-leading’ deal, seek better terms

United Airlines flight attendants have voted against a new labor agreement that offered an immediate pay raise of at least 26% along with other enhancements to their working conditions. 

In a statement released on July 29, 2025, the 28,000 flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) expressed that they need “substantial improvements as soon as possible” if they are to consider accepting the deal. 

Union says deal fell short 

According to the union, the agreement was rejected because it “didn’t go far enough to address the years of sacrifice and hard work to make the airline the success it is today.” 

“We always said no matter the outcome of the vote, we will fight forward and that is what we will do with the power of 28,000 flight attendants and our whole union standing together,” the union’s statement read. 

More than 92% of eligible voters took part, with 71% opposing the ratification of the agreement. 

“Our union will survey members as quickly as possible to identify the key issues flight attendants are ready to fight to achieve in an agreement they want to ratify,” the union added. 

United Airlines announced that it will continue to collaborate with the union, referring to its flight attendants as “the best in the industry”. According to the airline, the new tentative agreement included “numerous improvements and industry-leading pay.” 

“While this vote will result in a delay and the AFA has outlined several steps to return to negotiations, including coordination with the National Mediation Board, we remain focused on getting our flight attendants the contract they deserve,” United said in a statement seen by CNBC News. 

This is not the first time the union has pushed for major improvements. In August 2024, 99.99% of voting members authorized a strike, with over 90% participation, should the company fail to meet their demands in a new contract. 

A first tentative deal was reached in May 2025 and had been touted by union leadership as “industry-leading.” It included retroactive pay, reportedly worth $21,000 on average per flight attendant, and up to $50,000 for long-serving crew, as well as gains in working conditions and scheduling. 

However, that framing was not enough to secure membership approval, leaving the union leadership to regroup. 

The AFA says it will now survey its members to identify the key priorities for a revised agreement, before returning to the bargaining table. The post United flight attendants vote against ‘industry-leading’ deal, seek better terms appeared first on AeroTime.

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