One Year Late United Airlines Contract Draws World-Wide Protest

Angry Flight Attendants Picket Airports Around the World

CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA), will conduct a world-wide protest over the failure of United Airlines management to negotiate a new contract a year after their contract became amendable.  United pilots from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), as well as members of other unions who stand in support of Flight Attendant efforts to secure an industry-leading contract, will also be joining the picket line. Over eight years ago, Flight Attendants took deep cuts in pay only to have management then destroy their working conditions and cancel their pensions.  Those cuts were scheduled to conclude a year ago when the contract became amendable.

As part of an agreement between AFA and management, negotiations began early in April 2009 with the intention of having a new Flight Attendant contract in place by January 7, 2010.  United Flight Attendants are working at 1994 wage levels in the year 2011, and working 48% more compared with 2002 schedules and staffing. AFA members are angry that after more than seven months since the announcement of the merger with Continental Airlines, the new management, much like the old, continues to only be interested in offering concessionary proposals and delaying a new contract for the over 15,000 Flight Attendants.  If United Airlines wishes to create a new world-class airline, it is imperative they honor the tone and commitment made by management following the merger.  For the merger to be a success, they must choose a path of collaboration on negotiating a contract versus continuing a pattern of contention and delay.

International Airport Protests – Local Times and Contact Person:

US Domestic Airport Picket Lines – Local Times and Contact Person:

Nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants, including the 15,000 Flight Attendants at United, join together to form AFA, the world's largest flight attendant union. AFA is part of the 700,000 member strong Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.unitedafa.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO