United Airlines, $UAL, flight attendants voted 99.99% to authorize a strike

Flight attendants at United Airlines (UAL.O) have voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike authorization, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA announced on Wednesday. According to the union, over 90% of flight attendants participated in the vote, with 99.99% supporting the strike authorization.

This marks the first strike authorization vote by United flight attendants since the 2005 bankruptcy negotiations. The 28,000 flight attendants represented by the AFA have been negotiating for a significant base pay increase, better compensation for time spent working—including on-ground duties—retroactive pay, more flexible schedules, and improvements to work rules.

“As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded of what's at stake if we don’t reach an agreement,” said Ken Diaz, president of United's AFA chapter.

The strike vote comes as contract negotiations across the U.S. and Canada intensify, with cabin crews at several airlines demanding compensation for on-ground duties like boarding and waiting between flights. Last year, United's flight attendants sought federal mediation through the National Mediation Board (NMB).

With the strike now authorized, the union can request a release from the NMB, triggering a 30-day "cooling off" period and setting a strike deadline. However, flight attendants cannot strike until the board grants permission, determining that negotiations have reached an impasse.