United Airlines Flight Attendants Protest Cabin Reveal Over Contracts
A press event held by United Airlines to unveil its new Polaris business class cabin was disrupted by protesting flight attendants demanding a new contract amid ongoing labor negotiations. The protest occurred in front of media and CEO Scott Kirby, drawing attention to mounting tensions between the airline and its unionized cabin crew.
During the event, which showcased United’s newly upgraded premium cabins, about a dozen uniformed flight attendants interrupted the presentation by waving signs and chanting slogans such as “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” and “If we don’t get it, shut it down!” Protesters held banners reading “World class airline, world class contract” and “Contract now!” before security personnel attempted to remove them from the venue.
The demonstration, first reported by travel blog One Mile at a Time, took place as representatives from United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) continue three weeks of intensive negotiations in Chicago. Union leaders expressed frustration that the company is promoting luxury onboard products while failing to address long-overdue labor concerns.
“The service United boasts about doesn’t happen without us,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson and United AFA President Ken Diaz in a joint statement. “United has the money to invest in an industry-leading Flight Attendant contract with premium compensation, work rules, and cabin interiors.”
Nelson and Diaz criticized the airline for seeking concessions while CEO Scott Kirby’s compensation has increased by 246% over the last two years. “Today’s announcement adds insult to injury,” they said, accusing the company of ignoring its frontline workforce while celebrating profitability and product innovation.
United flight attendants are seeking significant pay increases, boarding pay, enhanced schedule flexibility, job security improvements, retirement benefits, and retroactive pay dating back to their contract’s amendable date—now nearly four years overdue. The union also points to record airline profits and increasing executive compensation as evidence that the company can afford to meet these demands.
“Scott Kirby can roll out all the new product announcements he wants — it means nothing without respect for the people who deliver it,” the union stated. “A new aircraft cabin doesn’t pay rent, allow us to come to work without stress over paying our bills, attract new applicants, or give us the schedule control we need to have a life.”
The protest underscores the growing unrest among United’s flight attendants as the airline continues to invest heavily in fleet upgrades and passenger experiences. While a tentative agreement may be possible by the end of the current round of talks, the high-profile demonstration signals that union members are willing to escalate pressure until their demands are met.
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