United flight attendants request the firing of a pilot for a viral remark.

CHICAGO- A viral comment by a United Airlines (UA) pilot is fueling outrage among flight attendants after they overwhelmingly rejected a tentative labor agreement. The backlash stems from a social media post in which the pilot demeaned flight attendants following the contract vote, prompting union members to demand his dismissal.

The controversy erupted just after the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) announced that 71% of United crew members had voted against the new proposal. The vote affects over 28,000 attendants at the Chicago-based carrier and follows months of high-stakes negotiations, PYOK reported.

Representative Photo: United (Not related to article)

United Attendants Demand Firing of Pilot

The proposed contract would have delivered an immediate average pay raise of 26.9% for United Airlines (UA) flight attendants, with retroactive bonus payments averaging $21,500. Senior crew members stood to receive more than $50,000.

Despite support from union leadership, most members rejected the deal, forcing negotiators back to the table.

Shortly after the results were made public, a United pilot made a disparaging comment on Facebook: “Love it, now they will get nothing.” He added, “They all want pilot pay!!! Kirby should go to a local university where they are all a dime a dozen!!!” The comment referred to United CEO Scott Kirby and implied that flight attendants are easily replaceable.

The pilot had publicly identified himself by posting the comment alongside a photo in full uniform in front of a United aircraft. Though the post was deleted, screenshots quickly circulated among angry crew members.

Calls for disciplinary action have since intensified, including the launch of a Change.org petition demanding that United investigate the pilot’s conduct.

Representative Photo: United

Pay Disparities Highlight Broader Labor Divide

Flight attendants have pointed to stark disparities in compensation between their roles and those of pilots.

In 2023, United pilots ratified a $10 billion contract covering 16,000 pilots. Under the agreement, some senior Captains earn over $452,000 annually, and new First Officers start around $117,000 per year—based on 70–85 flying hours monthly.

By contrast, many newly hired flight attendants work significantly more hours while earning far less, often struggling through demanding schedules in their first five years.

The pilot’s comments were seen as dismissive of these challenges, exacerbating existing frustrations over labor inequities within the airline.

Representative Photo: United Airlines

Culture, Conduct, and Corporate Policy

The AFA-CWA has cited United’s own “Flying Together” code of conduct in its demands for accountability. This internal guideline mandates respect among coworkers and prohibits public behavior that could damage the company’s brand.

The union argues the pilot’s comment violates these standards by fostering disrespect and division.

Some flight attendants responded with sarcasm on social media, mocking the pilot’s future onboard service experience.

Jokes about forgetting his meals and restroom access went viral, signaling the depth of resentment over his remarks.

Photo: United Airlines

Past Precedent and Recruitment Practices

In defense of his comment, the pilot referenced hiring university students—suggesting flight attendants were “a dime a dozen.”

While United Airlines has not adopted this model, Breeze Airways (MX) briefly piloted a similar program in 2021. The initiative recruited part-time flight attendants directly from Utah Valley University, offering minimal pay and requiring them to resign upon graduation.

Following public and union pressure, Breeze ended the program and transitioned to traditional hiring.

Today, all major U.S. carriers—including United—rely on full-time and part-time professionals, reflecting growing recognition of the demanding nature of in-flight service roles.

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