Flight attendants protest at 30 major U.S. airports including Chicago O’Hare for better contracts

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Unions rally at 30 US airports, including Chicago O’Hare, on Tuesday for better pay, spotlighting flight attendants’ plight compared to pilots.

Flight crew unions from top U.S. airlines are mobilizing for demonstrations and rallies at 30 airports nationwide, including Chicago O’Hare Airport, on Tuesday to advocate for enhanced contracts and superior wages. The growing discontent among flight attendants stems from observing pilots securing substantial pay increments last year, while their own salaries have remained unchanged, with some not seeing a raise for several years.

These crew members are voicing their grievances over not being adequately compensated for their commitment throughout the pandemic and their pivotal role in safeguarding passenger safety.

Termed as a national day of action by the unions, the protests on Tuesday do not constitute a strike.

Due to stringent federal laws, airline unions face hurdles in legally executing strikes, which can be deferred or vetoed by federal mediators, the president, or Congress. An earlier petition by flight attendants at American Airlines to start a strike countdown was declined by mediators, but the union is planning to submit another request next month.

Leading the charge for these protests are the Association of Flight Attendants, representing personnel from United Airlines among other carriers; the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, for American Airlines’ crews; and the Transport Workers Union, for crews at Southwest Airlines and other airlines. Notably, these protests include actions at Chicago O’Hare Airport, highlighting the widespread support and urgency among flight attendants for change.

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