United Airlines pilots approved a new contract that could lead to 40.2% pay increases over the life of the four-year deal. Not only does the new agreement include pay raises; it also features sick leave and vacation improvements, as well as increased retirement benefits for United Airlines’ 16,000 pilots.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing United Airlines aviators, said the deal is worth about $10 billion.
The APLA said September 29 that the contract received 82% approval from union members with 97% of United Airlines pilots represented during the vote, according to CNBC.
The contract took effect on September 29, 2023 and will become amendable on September 30, 2027.
“This industry-leading contract brings substantial benefits to our pilots and could not have happened without their unity and steadfast resolve,” said the chair of the United Master Executive Council (the internal governing body of the ALPA), Captain Garth Thompson, in a statement. “I am proud that our pilot group will be recognized for their contributions to the company’s success. United Airlines cannot thrive without the hard work of its labor groups.”
Prior to this announcement, Delta Airlines and American Airlines pilots approved new contracts with their companies earlier this year that also featured pay raises.
