In an escalating dispute, the association representing United Airlines' flight attendants has called for the immediate resignation of the carrier's head of inflight service. The demand comes after United Airlines introduced a contentious sickness policy that has been derided for treating flight attendants as "liars and scammers."

Ken Diaz, the head of United's branch of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), released a video message to its members expressing concern over the new policy. According to Diaz, the airline is pressuring ill crew members to come to work, potentially exposing both colleagues and passengers to contagious illnesses.

Diaz condemned John Slater, the target of the union's demand for resignation, for his recent actions which have triggered a backlash among flight attendants. United Airlines had informed crew members that they could face termination if they reported sick on a weekend.

In Diaz's view, Slater's unilateral policy change constitutes a deliberate and coordinated offensive against all United flight attendants. Moreover, he described the newly introduced policy as degrading, accusing it of treating flight attendants as dishonest individuals. Diaz believes that by forcing flight attendants to work when they are sick, Slater is not only endangering other crew members but also risking the health of passengers.

Expressing his dismay, Diaz addressed Slater directly, stating, "This is shameful; shame on you, John; you are not treating flight attendants with dignity and respect."

Tensions between the flight attendant union and Slater have simmered for some time. Slater assumed the role of United's Senior Vice President for Inflight Service two years ago, but has repeatedly clashed with the association. The union has previously accused the airline of reducing support staff during the pandemic, resulting in difficulties for flight attendants seeking assistance with scheduling issues.

As the conflict escalates, both sides are likely to engage in further negotiations and discussions to find a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties involved.