Flight Attendants Rally In Newark To Demand More Pay, Benefits

NEWARK, NJ — A long-running labor dispute between United Airlines and its flight attendants has apparently taken a turn for the better, but a potential strike still looms if a deal can’t be reached.

Last week, flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA once again took up their protest signs for a nationwide series of rallies at 19 airports, including Newark Airport in New Jersey.

In Newark, demonstrators held up signs that read “Corporate Greed Doesn’t Fly” and “Flight Attendants Save Lives.” Their chants included “What do we want? Contract? When do we want it? Now!”

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It’s been a recurring activity for the flight attendants, who are demanding a “double-digit” base pay increase, “schedule flexibility,” more job security and better retirement benefits.

The contract negotiations have been dragging on for nearly four years. However, the skies have been looking a bit clearer lately, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) reported.

“Negotiations have recently been progressing,” union spokespeople said, adding that United management has agreed to meet outside of scheduled mediation to move negotiations forward.

Meanwhile, a United spokesperson told Forbes.com that the airline has been having “productive negotiations” with the AFA and the two sides continue to find common ground.

“We’re eager to reach the industry-leading contract our flight attendants deserve,” the airline said.

Flight attendants aren’t giving up the full court press just yet, however, union spokespeople said.

According to the AFA, United saw record profits of $3.1 billion in 2024 and can afford to hammer out an “industry-leading” agreement.

Nearly all of the flight attendants (99.9%) have voted to authorize a strike if necessary, union spokespeople said.

“The message is clear: we are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure the contract we’ve earned,” the AFA said.

• See Related: Flight Attendants Picket At Newark Airport: ‘Ready To Strike’

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