News

Bargaining Updates Around CWA - United Airlines & Avis Budget

07 Sep, 2023

United Airlines

Union members and community supporters joined AFA-CWA Flight Attendants on picket lines at airports across the globe last week to demand United Airlines fix ongoing operational issues and focus on negotiating a long overdue contract.

“We told management over a year ago to hire schedulers, staff up the hotel desk, and implement automation for crew communication. Management’s response this summer is to attempt to blame Flight Attendants for refusing to accept concessions to fix the problems they’ve created,” said Ken Diaz, AFA-CWA United President. “Their ineffective response to our concerns has hurt passengers who have to wait for crew to receive assignments. We have never seen such a chaotic, ill-equipped, and entirely unsustainable operation. Enough!”

In Chicago, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined AFA-CWA International President Sara Nelson and more than 500 others at O’Hare Airport, while International Union of Painters and Allied Trades President Jimmy Williams and U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) walked the picket line in Orlando.

United Flight Attendants have had enough of management’s excuses and inaction. They will continue to build their power and show their solidarity until they have the contract they deserve.

AFA-CWA Flight Attendants and supporters rallied at airports across the globe to demand United Airlines fix ongoing operational issues and focus on negotiating a long overdue contract.

Avis Budget

Last Friday, workers at Avis Budget in Boston, members of IUE-CWA Local 81201, staged a successful 24-hour unfair labor practice strike in response to management’s violation of federal labor law by failing to appoint an authorized representative to negotiate with the union. Workers entered negotiations over three months ago with the aim of improving conditions including wages, cost and coverage of healthcare, and working hours. Management has dragged its feet, failing to come to the table with a good faith proposal despite receiving two contract extensions. The second extension expired on August 31st.

Both Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) offered statements of solidarity with the strikers and Massachusetts State Representative Peter Capano (D-11th Essex) walked the picket line with the strikers. Despite management rigidity and delay, workers remain steadfast in their belief that they can achieve a just agreement.

IUE-CWA Local 81201 workers and their supporters staged a 24-hour strike following protracted negotiations with Avis Budget in Boston.