Flight attendants at United Airlines have taken a significant step towards a potential strike as they voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization, according to the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. More than 90% of the flight attendants participated in the vote, with an astounding 99.99% showing their support for a strike authorization.

This marks the first time since the 2005 bankruptcy negotiations that flight attendants at United Airlines have voted on strike authorization, highlighting the growing frustration among the 28,000 flight attendants affiliated with the AFA, based in Chicago. The union has been engaged in negotiations with the airline, advocating for several key improvements including a double-digit base pay increase, higher compensation for on-ground duties, retroactive pay, enhanced schedule flexibility, and improvements to work rules.

"As Labor Day travel begins, United management is reminded what's at stake if we don't get this done," emphasized Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of the AFA. The flight attendants' demands come as contract negotiations are also underway in both the US and Canada, where cabin crews from various airlines are seeking fair compensation for on-ground duties such as boarding passengers and waiting between flights.

Last year, United's flight attendants sought the intervention of the National Mediation Board (NMB), filing for federal mediation. With the recent strike authorization vote, the union can now take the next step by requesting a release from the NMB, initiating a mandatory 30-day "cooling off" period that ultimately sets a strike deadline.

However, even though the strike has been authorized, flight attendants are legally bound to not walk off the job until the National Mediation Board deems that both parties are at an impasse, and further negotiations would be fruitless. This process ensures that striking remains a last resort in the negotiations between the airline and its flight attendants.

The overwhelming support for strike authorization reflects the flight attendants' determination to push for fair treatment and improved conditions. While strike action remains a possibility, further negotiations may take place to seek a resolution before the situation escalates.

United Airlines now faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of its flight attendants in order to avoid the disruptive impact of a potential strike.