$314 Million a Year Breathing Room for UAL's Board

The United flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, AFL-CIO, ratified an agreement with management to invest $314 million in our airline each year over the next six years.

75% of eligible flight attendants who cast their ballots voted for the contract. Over sixty-three percent of eligible flight attendants voted.

AFA United Master Executive Council President Greg Davidowitch issued this statement:

"United now has the Flight attendant cost savings needed to successfully restructure and emerge from bankruptcy as a competitive and premier airline in our industry. The results of this vote, however, do not give us cause for celebration. The sacrifices borne by the front line employees in ratifying concessions that will affect our wages, benefits, pensions, and work rules will have a harsh effect on our work lives and our families.

"This vote is historic, but not unprecedented. Flight attendants have consistently done what is necessary to ensure the success of our airline. Through no fault of our own, this company is experiencing the most difficult days of its 75-year history. Yet, today we have ratified an agreement that invests our hard earned income into our airline in the form of concessions. In return, flight attendants will participate in profit sharing, and will receive incentive bonuses, and equity that will pay off as the company returns to profitability. In spite of the devastating world events and injurious business decisions by management, we will do everything in our power to ensure that our airline prospers, flight attendants get their returns, and United continues to provide security for all of United's employees.

"Today marks an immense step towards stability and security for our airline and our jobs, but we know we have a great deal of hard work before us. Throughout this process, we will continue to question and expose shortsighted decisions and executive greed because the employees of this airline will not accept making these extreme sacrifices in vain. Our dedication to our jobs and our airline shall not waiver as we continue to demand the best decisions for the stability, success, and future growth of our company."

FMI: www.unitedafa.org; www.afanet.org