We spoke with the Association of Flight Attendants to learn more about the 99.9% vote for strike authorization and what that will mean for travelers and also the industry.
On August 28 , the United Airlines Flight Attendants , represented by the Association of Flight Attendants - CWA , announce that more than 90 % of the union vote 99.9 % in favour of astrike authorization . This authorization does n’t imply that United Flight Attendants are now give way on strike . rather , it alerts United Airlines that the unification will go on strike if their demands are unmet . The vote come after stalled negotiations for a new contract .
" We deserve an industry - lead contract bridge . Our strike vote shows we ’re ready to do whatever it takes to reach the declaration we deserve , " Ken Diaz , chairperson of the United chapter of AFA , saidregarding the strike vote . " We are the face of United Airlines and planes do n’t take off without us . As Labor Day travel start , United management is remind what ’s at stake if we do n’t get this done . "
So , what does a strike imply for the airline industry ? For traveler ? For flight of stairs attendants ? Thrillist mouth with Taylor Garland , Communications Director at AFA , to better realize what ’s happen with the United strike authorisation .
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When could a United Flight Attendant’s strike occur?
There is no set timeline for when a bang could take place . Currently , the flying concomitant are in talks with United , which is overseen by the National Mediation Board . " Now that Flight Attendants have authorized a strike , the union could request a spillage from the National Mediation Board ( NMB ) direct to a 30 - sidereal day " cooling off " period and strike deadline , " Garland said .
What would a strike mean for passengers?
If United Airlines Flight Attendants are unloosen from intermediation , they will use a method acting call CHAOS when they strike . CHAOS stands for Create Havoc Around Our organisation . " With CHAOS , a strike could move the entire organization or a undivided escape . The North make up one’s mind when , where and how to strike without card to management or passengers , " AFA ’s statement order .
That means there could be diligence - wide break or one route that experiences the delay . This makes it a in particular effective organizing manoeuvre , but it could direct to maximum problems for travelers — a lack of placard will mean there wo n’t be a possibility to plan around the ten-strike .
Why did United Flight Attendants vote to strike?
The last time the United Flight Attendants voted to authorize a strike was in 2005 . Right now , the worker ’s major demands are a double - dactyl pay increase , pay for time at body of work on the footing , ex post facto pay , schedule flexibleness and work rule improvements , job security , and retirement . United ’s management has been unwilling to meet the demand through dialogue , according to the AFA .
" Management ’s actions at the board , " are the ground for the strike authorization , according to Garland . " United direction is still proposing concession at the negotiating table while the airline rakes in billion in revenue and laurels executives millions in fillip . The ridiculous proposal are drag out negotiation . "
The strike is not what the union require to pass off . " Flight Attendants ca n’t afford to hold back any longer — and that ’s why we voted by 99.99 % to clear a smasher , " Garland said . " We were at the table this workweek with management quick to hit an accord that Flight Attendants can ratify . To be clear , we require an agreement not a strike . But the best way to avoid a strike is to be prepared for one . United management , get serious and let ’s get this done . "
How can a United Flight Attendant strike be avoided?
United Flight Attendants are within their legal right to move with a strike . in good order now , the AFA has assigned United the responsibility of stopping the strike .
" It ’s time for United management to get serious at the negotiations table and reach an accord , " Garland said . " No negotiations should take this long , and it seems the airlines only get serious when they face a bang menace . United Flight Attendants need relief now . "
What does United Airlines say about the vote?
In a affirmation toDenver 7 , United Airlines said the strike authorisation would not make disruption .
" We continue to put to work toward an diligence - leading agreement for our flight of steps accompaniment , including talks this week and every month through November . Both sides have been actively engaged in these negotiation facilitate by the Union mediator request by the union . We remain eager to reach an agreement , " the statement said .
" To be exonerated , there is no piece of work stoppage or labor hoo-ha . Instead , off - responsibility escape attendants are practice their right to channel an informational lookout man , " the argument continued . " Federal legal philosophy bars a strike until after a lengthy process that includes a going from intermediation , which can only be granted by the National Mediation Board . "
