United Airlines and its flight attendants reach tentative contract agreement, union says

CHICAGO, May 23 (Reuters) - Flight attendants at United Airlines UAL.O have reached a tentative agreement with the company for a new contract, their union said on Friday.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents United's flight attendants, said the deal provides industry-leading compensation and retroactive pay.

The agreement is estimated to result in a financial gain of 40% for the flight attendants in the very first year of the new contract, it added.

United's cabin crews, who filed for federal mediation in 2023, were demanding a double-digit base pay increase, higher pay for time at work including time on the ground, retroactive pay, schedule flexibility and work rule improvements in their new contract.

They had authorized their union to call a strike if negotiators failed to reach an agreement.

United's cabin crews have not had a raise since 2020.

The union said its leaders will meet next week to review the full details of the agreement. If the leadership approves the tentative deal, it will be sent for a ratification vote.