In the midst of a post-pandemic recovery, United pilots have rejected a pay offer from management, saying it falls short of their expectations.
A provisional agreement, made by the airline in June, called for a pay increase of 14.5% over the course of 18 months. However, according to the union ALPA on November 1, 2022, this was rejected by 94% of the record 9,980 United pilots who voted in a ballot.
“This TA fell short of the industry-leading contract United pilots have earned and deserve after leading the airline through the pandemic and back to profitability,” the statement said.
Given the continued pilot shortage in the United States, other major airlines have been proposing pay increases that are larger. For instance, American Airlines (A1G) (AAL) has offered a 19% wage rise.
“By the Company’s own admission, this agreement missed the mark,” said United Master Executive Council chair Capt. Mike Hamilton in a statement. “That’s why both parties agreed to re-engage at the bargaining table for a new, improved agreement. It is vital United management recognizes that an industry-leading contract is required to hire, train, and retain the best pilots in the world for the United Next growth plan to succeed.”
Hamilton claimed that United management was delaying their return to contract negotiations and that the union planned to begin “a series of informational picketing events” in an effort to get management to the negotiating table for a new contract.
The announcement comes a day after Delta pilots backed union ALPA’s threat to go on strike if necessary during contract negotiations.
