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 San Jose Sun.

More Information

55 ℉

Mostly Cloudy in San Francisco

US Sports

Section

Hockey players making waves on social media

This campaign explores ice hockey players' influence and popularity beyond their National Hockey League (NHL) careers. The goal was to ...

Grizzlies carry first win streak of season into Phoenix

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) The Phoenix Suns will attempt to bounce back from an unfulfilling night at ...

Nuggets face another road test against Kings

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) The Denver Nuggets will seek their third straight win on the road when ...

Thunder look to stay hot against Mavericks

(Photo credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports) Everything is coming together for Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose team has ...

Charleston, No. 13 FAU vie for round-robin event's title

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports) Charleston coach Pat Kelsey spent the remainder of the 2023 NCAA Tournament wondering ...

Pelicans' newfound depth may be tested vs. Bulls

(Photo credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports) The New Orleans Pelicans generally lean on Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to lead ...

Business

Section