Flight Attendant Contract and Coordination between Union and Company Mitigates Impact of Schedule Reductions
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) President Sara Nelson, representing 50,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines including United, released the following statement on United Airlines announced flight reductions:
“United Airlines is taking a responsible approach to address the impact of COVID-19 on air travel. We want to be very clear that the airline has worked with our union from the start to implement safety and health measures to ensure crew and passengers are safe. We encourage the public to continue to fly with confidence.
“Our Flight Attendant contract includes pay protections for Flight Attendants who are experiencing a loss or change of schedule. The most recent schedule reduction will be managed through contractual special leaves of absence. The contract provides that Flight Attendants retain medical and other benefits the same as active employees, and Flight Attendants continue to accrue seniority during the leave of absence. The special leaves will be open for bid and are awarded in seniority order.
“As the leadership of the airline noted last week, the company has never in its history been better positioned to withstand this economic uncertainty. We believe the airline is taking responsible steps for employees and the traveling public. Together we fly.”