United Airlines' pilots sign new contract for better pay, benefits

Robert Besser
03 Oct 2023, 02:54 GMT+10

On September 29, the union representing United Airlines' pilots said its members had ratified a new four-year contract, which includes a significant pay increase and other benefits
Some 82 percent of the airline's pilots voted to approve a new comprehensive working agreement, which will add more than US$10 billion of value to the existing contract
About 97 percent of eligible pilots participated in the ballot

CHICAGO, Illinois: On September 29, the union representing United Airlines' pilots said its members had ratified a new four-year contract, which includes a significant pay increase and other benefits.

Some 82 percent of the airline's pilots voted to approve a new comprehensive working agreement, which will add more than US$10 billion of value to the existing contract, said a committee represented by the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA).

About 97 percent of eligible pilots participated in the ballot.

Under the new four-year contract, United's 16,000 pilots will receive a cumulative pay rise of 34.5 percent to 40.2 percent, better work-life balance, more sick leave days, more favorable work rules and holiday arrangements, and increased retirement benefits.

After many U.S. pilots left the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff shortages have been persistent and are expected to continue for years.

According to analysts at Jefferies, the U.S. has a shortage of some 10,000 pilots.

However, airlines are scrambling to raise staff levels amid a travel rebound, increasing pilots' bargaining power.

In 2022, ALPA rejected an offer from United, forcing the airline to improve it.

Earlier this year, Delta Air Lines' pilots ratified a new contract that includes over $7 billion in cumulative increases in wages and benefits over four years.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to South East Asia Post.

More Information