On July 1, 2023, a new 3-year term of office began for the United MEC Officers and many United MEC Committee Members. As your MEC Officers, we have wasted no time and have already started discussing our goals for the new term and ways to enhance the work of our Union with you while continuing to build a unified and engaged community of United Flight Attendants.
Although it appears the company has recovered from last week’s severe irregular operations (IRROPS), this week we are currently facing adverse weather conditions and ground delay programs typical of summer storms, leading to high call wait times and limited availability of hotel rooms in several cities.
According to media reports, United is giving passengers who were significantly impacted by last week’s IRROPS 30,000 MileagePlus miles. The company states in their communication to these passengers that “providing these miles is the right thing to do. After all, you put your trust in us and expect more.” Similarly, United Flight Attendants also expect more from management too. It is time for management to make amends with us because it is the right thing to do.
We need to move beyond mere excuses and empty expressions of gratitude. United Flight Attendants require genuine recognition and concrete solutions to address the challenges we face on the front lines. Management has had sufficient time to implement our recovery plan and acknowledge the hardships we have endured. We are prepared to engage with management to address these outstanding issues in a meaningful way.
While the current management has partially addressed our demands, our trust and morale continue to decline. It seems that management fails to fully grasp the impact and experience of the United Flight Attendants who represent the face of our airline, with professionalism and concern for the passengers in our care. These challenges have long-term consequences for the reputation of the airline that we have worked so hard, as front-line employees, to build. Management must now prioritize rebuilding the employee relationship and boosting morale.
As we move forward to the other side of this massive operational disruption, our focus must shift to finding long-term and sustainable solutions. United Flight Attendants have been voicing concerns about unacceptable hold times with crew scheduling for years. Although management has acknowledged the need to improve crew technology and promote self-service through an app to avoid calling scheduling, they must collaborate with and, in some cases, negotiate to implement these solutions.
If you have any unresolved issues related to last week's severe IRROPS, please utilize the structure of our Union, starting with your Local Council, to report them. Additionally, do not hesitate to report any discrepancies in your pay register through the Help Hub. While United payroll is under heavy workload, updates to your pay register must be completed in a timely manner. If necessary, escalate your concerns to your Local Council.
United Flight Attendants always rise to the challenge and find solutions when things don’t go as planned. We deserve the recognition and respect we earn every day, especially during times of operational challenges. Together, we will emerge stronger together.