Правило United Airlines о пересадках «по вызову» вызвало негативную реакцию бортпроводников

CHICAGO- Flight attendants at United Airlines (UA) are expressing growing concern over a new rule that mandates availability during layover, including at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and major international layover cities like London (LHR) and Rome (FCO).

The controversy stems from a clause in the tentative agreement requiring crew members to be “reasonably available” during downtime, raising alarms over rest rights and personal freedom.

According to PYOK, the clause has reignited tensions just weeks before flight attendants are set to vote on the agreement.

Representative Photo: United Airlines

United Airlines Layover Rule

The most contentious aspect of the 2025–2030 tentative agreement between United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is the expectation that crew members remain reachable during their layovers.

While the agreement honors federally mandated rest periods, it introduces ambiguity by stating flight attendants must acknowledge calls from crew scheduling once the rest period ends.

Critics argue this undefined “reasonable availability” could permit reassignments and disruptions during recovery time.

This provision sharply contrasts with previous union communications, which had labeled such measures as “unheard of.”

The union had previously indicated it had rejected similar language, highlighting a shift that now appears in the final draft of the agreement.

With reassignment possibilities and communication requirements during what was once considered downtime, crew members fear a blurring of the lines between rest and duty.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Additional Contract Changes

In addition to the layover clause, another requirement now compels flight attendants to check crew scheduling systems after every flight.

This policy raises concerns that crew may be instantly reassigned, reducing predictability in their schedules.

The agreement’s release has prompted scrutiny from United’s large base of flight attendants, many of whom argue the new deal offers no substantial advantage over pay levels already reached by peers at Delta Air Lines (DL).

Despite a headline-grabbing average pay increase of 26.9%, comparisons show the hike simply brings United in line with industry standards rather than exceeding them.

Notably, flight attendants will vote on the agreement from July 7 to July 29, with implementation scheduled for July 30, if approved.

Photo: Dylan T | Flickr

Improvements and Drawbacks

While the layover clause draws the most ire, the tentative agreement does introduce some positive changes.

For example, United has pledged to stop placing crews in second-rate or suburban hotels during extended international layovers.

This addresses longstanding complaints about inconvenient accommodations in cities such as Amsterdam (AMS) and London (LHR), restoring crew lodging standards closer to city centers.

Additionally, the new pay scale promises structured annual increases from year one through the thirteenth year, with the highest-paid flight attendants earning over $96/hour by DOS+4.

However, critics argue these gains are offset by lifestyle sacrifices and increased unpredictability introduced by scheduling changes.

Roadshows have been launched at United hubs nationwide to inform flight attendants and clarify contractual elements. The union urges members to read the agreement carefully and voice concerns before casting their votes.

Photo: Denver Airport

Broader Implications

This debate marks another example of labor pressures in the airline industry as legacy carriers face mounting scrutiny over worker treatment amid profitability.

With travel demand soaring post-pandemic, airlines are under pressure to maintain high performance without exhausting frontline employees.

The outcome of the United vote may ripple through labor negotiations at other carriers.

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The post United Airlines ‘On Call’ Layover Rule Sparks Attendants Backlash appeared first on Aviation A2Z.