United Airlines Flight Attendants Protest for Better Pay Amid Executive Salary Increases
United Airlines flight attendants took to picketing at various major hubs both in the U.S. and internationally, voicing their discontent over pay disparities. This move comes in response to revelations of substantial salary increases for the airline's top executives, including CEO Scott Kirby, whose compensation nearly doubled to $18.6 million in 2023.
During a nationwide day of action, flight attendants demonstrated their frustration outside airports, protesting the substantial pay revisions enjoyed by senior management while their own contract negotiations seemed to stagnate. A proxy statement from United highlighted the significant salary increments for its executive team, contrasting sharply with the ongoing struggles faced by the cabin crew for fair compensation and improved working conditions.
Chris Bruton, president of Local United AFA Council 9, expressed the collective sentiment, stating, "The money is there, the resources are there. We are told that we’re valued, but our contract and the company’s unwillingness to negotiate in a fair and reasonable manner doesn’t bear that out." This statement reflects the growing dissatisfaction among the crew, who see the disparity as a stark indicator of the company's priorities.
The median annual salary for a flight attendant is around $68,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Against this backdrop, Lily Meyer, a United flight attendant, emphasized the long wait for the airline to address demands for better work-life balance and other crucial issues. United's official statement indicated ongoing negotiations, with sessions scheduled to continue in hopes of reaching an "industry-leading agreement."
Last year, United successfully negotiated a lucrative deal with its pilots, resulting in a $10 billion increase in value to their pay packages, including significant improvements in pay scales, quality of life, and retirement benefits. This contract sets a precedent that flight attendants are eager to match in their own ongoing discussions.
With the flight attendants' negotiations now extending over 29 months, the pressure is mounting on United to address these concerns effectively. The outcome of these protests and negotiations will be crucial in shaping the future relationship between the airline's workforce and its management.