United Flight Attendants Reject ‘Leading’ Deal in Demand for Better Terms

Flight attendants at United Airlines have rejected a proposed labor agreement that aimed to provide an immediate pay increase of at least 26%, along with various improvements to their working conditions.

In a statement issued on July 29, 2025, the 28,000 flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) conveyed their need for “substantial improvements as soon as possible” to even consider the proposed deal.

Union Expresses Discontent with Agreement

The union stated that the rejected agreement “didn’t go far enough to address the years of sacrifice and dedication that have contributed to the airline’s current success.”

“We have consistently asserted that, regardless of the outcome of the vote, we will press on, supported by the power of 28,000 flight attendants and our entire union,” read the union’s statement.

In this vote, over 92% of eligible participants cast their ballots, with 71% voting against ratifying the agreement.

The union plans to conduct a survey among its members swiftly to pinpoint key issues they wish to address in a new agreement that could gain approval.

United Airlines has expressed its commitment to working with the union, recognizing its flight attendants as “the best in the industry.” According to the airline, the recently negotiated tentative agreement included “numerous enhancements and competitive pay.”

“While this vote will lead to a delay and the AFA has outlined steps to resume negotiations—working alongside the National Mediation Board—we remain dedicated to securing the contract our flight attendants deserve,” United stated.

This rejection is not isolated; in August 2024, an astounding 99.99% of voting members authorized a strike, should the company fail to meet their expectations for a new contract.

The first tentative agreement, reached in May 2025 and heralded by union leadership as “industry-leading,” featured retroactive pay, averaging around $21,000 per flight attendant, with long-serving crew members possibly earning up to $50,000 more. Improvements in working conditions and scheduling were also part of the negotiations.

However, this appeal was insufficient to gain member support, prompting union leaders to reassess their strategy.

To move forward, the AFA has decided to survey its membership to identify essential priorities for a revised agreement before returning to the negotiation table.