CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Thousands of flight attendants for United Airlines were protesting Thursday outside several airports in the U.S. and the United Kingdom for a new contract.
The flight attendants are increasingly frustrated that pilots won huge pay raises last year while they continue to work for wages that, in some cases, have not increased in several years. They further say while they’ve been without a contract for two years, CEO Scott Kirby made nearly $19 million in 2023.
This week’s protest comes as negotiators return for the second round of a federally-mediated bargaining session. Since the pandemic, attendants say working conditions have deteriorated, with more passengers than ever exhibiting “abusive” behavior.
Scott Pejas, president of the Local United AFA Council 8, said workers have a slew of grievances.
“We have flight attendants who are eligible for food stamps because they haven’t seen any raises even though the cost of living has gone up,” he said.
Attendants, he said, also lose out on pay during boarding and delays, during which United attendants are not paid.
“We’re demanding that we get paid for all the time spent. Whether it’s sitting at the airport during delays, weather or mechanical for five hours, we’re not getting paid. It’s time for the company to finally respect the flight attendants and give them the contract that they deserve.”