From: Our United

The JNC has concluded a week of bargaining with United Airlines management in San Francisco.  While there was some good discussion on a few subjects this week, no substantive progress was made. 

We did not meet with management on Monday as they needed an additional day to prepare.  Our first session together was on Tuesday, August 6th when United presented us with a counter proposal on Uniforms, which led to a fair amount of dialogue about the company’s issues regarding what we wear as a uniform, how we acquire it and how we maintain it.  Given the numerous issues that have surfaced during the recent uniform launch the JNC was able to use your concerns as timely counterpoints during the discussion. We were able to take the issues we heard and put together another Uniform proposal, which we presented at the end of the day.  We also gave the company a counter proposal on Military Flying (AMC & CRAF) in response to the proposal they gave us last month in Denver.  

Wednesday, August 7th, United returned to the table with another draft of Contract language for Uniforms, and we presented them with a revised proposal on Pass Travel.  We did not see the company’s committee for the rest of the day.

Thursday morning, August 8th, United came back to the table with a lengthy counter proposal on Military Flying.  Both parties spent a great deal of time trying to explain, and understand, the issues surrounding United’s desire to compete for flying of this nature, and Flight Attendants’ ability to participate in it, and how best to schedule it at the new United Airlines.  The JNC understands some Flight Attendants might view this as a minor subject of Negotiations, but we want everyone to remember the ongoing turmoil around the world, and the role the United States has played, and will continue to play in it.  United Flight Attendants participate in Military Flying today, and with global tensions increasing it’s not inconceivable that the company’s role, with respect to military transport, could change drastically and quickly.  As a committee that represents all Flight Attendants we are working to address all contingencies before we are confronted with them.  We plan to have a counter proposal on Military Flying at next month’s session.

On Friday morning, August 9th, we received counter proposals from management on Cabin Jumpseat, Passports, Visas and Immunizations and Seniority.  They also gave us a new proposal on Flex Flying.  We ended the session by giving United a new proposal on Safety, Health and Security.

Negotiations will resume next month on September 23rd.

In Solidarity,