AUSTIN, Texas — United Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), held a demonstration at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday as they announced the result of a recent vote authorizing a strike.
90 percent of flight attendants voted 99.99 percent in favor of a strike.
This vote marks the first time United flight attendants have voted on strike authorization since bankruptcy negotiations in 2005.
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Recent votes to authorize a strike have advanced negotiations at many other airlines, including American, Alaska and Southwest Airlines.
United flight attendants called for the vote to demand a collective agreement that would provide better pay, including ground time pay, scheduling flexibility and job security.
“I'm not surprised. United Airlines flight attendants are ready. It's about time. We're ready for the contract. We need a raise. We can't wait any longer. We're united and ready to get this contract done,” said United Airlines flight attendant David Bannister.
Bannister says United's flight attendants are working toward an industry-leading contract.
