CHICAGO— United Airlines (UA) flight attendants have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed five-year contract, citing dissatisfaction despite significant pay raises on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
The decision comes after months of union-led efforts to promote the deal, which was expected to bring industry-leading compensation.
The vote outcome, announced shortly after polls closed, saw 71% of participating crew members turn down the tentative agreement. The carrier operates primarily out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), a major hub in its domestic and international network.
Photo: AFA-CWAUnited Attendants Reject Contract
The rejected agreement, backed by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), was estimated to deliver over $6 billion in value over five years.
It included an immediate average pay raise of 26.9%, retroactive bonuses, per diem increases, and improvements to layover conditions.
The union had presented the proposal as a deal that would edge out compensation packages from competitors like American Airlines (AA) and Delta Air Lines (DL).
Despite these offerings, flight attendants made their dissatisfaction clear. Among the 92% of eligible members who voted, a strong 71% voted “no,” signaling a desire for more substantial improvements—particularly in areas not addressed or inadequately covered in the proposal.
Representative Photo: United AirlinesBreakdown of Pay Adjustments in the Rejected Agreement
The new wage structure would have significantly increased hourly pay across all seniority levels:
- Entry-Level (1st Year): Increase from $28.88 to $36.92 per hour (+27.8%)
- 2nd–4th Years: Similar 27.8% increases, with hourly rates rising into the $40–$44 range
- 5th–7th Years: Pay is scaled up to $61.04 by the 7th year
- 13th Year+: Veteran attendants would see hourly pay hit $84.78, with future adjustments up to $96.58 in subsequent years
These figures reflect sizable raises, yet for many, they were not enough to justify accepting the broader agreement.
Key Provisions in the Tentative Agreement
- Retroactive Bonuses: Averaging $21,500, with some senior crew eligible for $50,000+
- Boarding Pay: Introduced at 50% of the hourly rate during the boarding phase
- Downtown Hotels: More layovers in urban locations
- Per Diem Increases: Higher allowances during layovers
- Bidding System: Retention of existing system, avoiding disruption to current practices
The introduction of boarding pay was new for United flight attendants, who previously earned no wages until aircraft pushback. However, the union had advocated for ground duty pay, which would compensate all time spent on duty—not just in-flight time.
Photo: AFPAIndustry-Wide Rejection Trends
The rejection mirrors similar outcomes at other U.S. airlines, including Alaska (AS), Southwest (WN), and American Airlines (AA), where initial agreements were voted down to push for better terms.
Despite the union’s warnings that such tactics rarely yield additional gains, the strategy persists across the sector.
United’s AFA-CWA president, Ken Diaz, emphasized that the vote is a “resounding message” that frontline employees feel undervalued.
A post-vote survey will now gather feedback to identify specific concerns. The next steps include federal mediation and renewed negotiations—although a timeline has not been announced.
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United Airlines Flight Attendants Face Union Pressure Over New Contract
The post United 71% Flight Attendants Reject New Contract Amid Pay Dispute appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
