United Airlines Pilots Agree To New Contract With Immediate Effect

United Airlines is breathing a sigh of relief that 82% of eligible pilots have now voted in favor of its latest pay contract, signaling an increase in value of over $10 billion to its existing pay package. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), 97% of pilots participated in the ballot, with over four-fifths voting for the latest offer.

With this latest agreement, pilots are expected to see continued ‘industry leading’ pay increases across the contract’s life, along with improved quality of life, sick leave, rule improvements, and an increase in retirement benefits.

Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock

16,000 pilots set for a pay rise

The latest deal is expected to fetch an increase of 40% for most pilots over the next four years, with the industry-leading offer set to provide ‘substantial benefits to our pilots’, noted by Garth Thompson, MEC Chair Captain.

United is just one of the big three who have recently been able to nail down new pilot contracts, now joining the likes of Delta and American Airlines with sufficient demands being met in the post-COVID-19 travel boom. The latest contract for UA pilots is valid until September 30th, 2027. The airline CEO, Scott Kirby, took to Linkedin to express his pleasure for the latest agreement with pilots:

Pilots approve new contract.

Being the last of the big three airlines to finalize the contract, the MEC Chair Captain, Garth Thompson, released this statement:

“This industry-leading contract brings substantial benefits to our pilots and could not have happened without their unity and steadfast resolv., I am proud that our pilot group will be recognized for their contributions to the company’s success. United Airlines cannot thrive without the hard work of its labor groups.”

Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock

As the airline industry has grappled with increased demand in the post-pandemic world, the airlines have been at the mercy of their pilot’s needs. With United now joining Delta and American Airlines with ratified agreements for passengers, this should mean a return to reliable air services.

As part of most agreements, there will be an improvement in working hours, breaks, and rostered time off. For pilots leaving the industry, retirement benefits are also set to be improved across the spectrum.

Three carriers agreed

While pilots at UA, DL, and AA may now be celebrating, the largest low-cost carrier in the United States, Southwest, is still in discussion and is not represented by the same union.

Photo: Southwest Airlines.

The ALPA covers the 16,000 pilots at the helm of United’s success, alongside over 75,000 pilots across the US and Canada for some 43 airlines.

Sources: ALPA, CNBC, UPA23, AP News