8/28/2024 United AFA Day of Action: EWR

is News 4 New York at five. If you're flying United Airlines soon, trouble could be on the horizon. Not because of the weather or aircraft issues, but because flight attendants are threatening to walk off the job. News 4's Gabby Acevedo is live at Newark Airport, where Union members rallied today. Gabby very disappointed. And some passengers are wondering if this will have an effect, an impact on air travel. The immediate answer for now is no. But looking ahead, there's still a lot to be discussed and a potential strike being that United is the major carrier here at Newark Airport, could have a significant ripple effect here at Newark Airport. Flight attendants for United Airlines demanding better pay and working conditions. Spivey nine points. Union members voted resoundingly in favor to strike. They are fed up and want a new contract. They flight attendants today spoke, use their voices and use their vote to let management know that they are ready for a contract and they are ready now. United flight attendants have been working under a temporary contract for nearly three years. They say that if they don't reach an agreement soon, they are prepared to walk off the job. We are still being offered concessionary bargaining, concessionary work rules, concessionary pay and we were promised industry leading pay, industry leading contract and we still do not have that. Flight attendants are asking for double digit base pay increase, increase pay for time at work, including on the ground, retroactive pay, schedule flexibility, work rule improvements, job security and a retirement plan. A lot of folks don't know that flight attendants do not get paid for all the time that they're on duty. They only get paid for the flight time when the door closes. What do we do? Looking ahead to Labor Day weekend? Flight attendants say they want to send a strong message to United Airlines executives to remind them of the possible impact to air travel. I didn't really know much about it. We don't want to see a strike. We certainly don't want a slowdown. United Airlines shared a statement with News 4 saying that to be clear, there is no work stoppage of duty. Flight attendants are exercising their right to conduct an informational picket. Federal law bars a strike until after a lengthy process that includes a release from mediation. They said that they want a contract now, and this is the proof. Some passengers supporting the fight from flight attendants. Anytime they can improve their situation, I'm all for it. At this point, United Airlines flight attendants could actually request a release from negotiations, but only after a 30 day grace period and a formal strike deadline. Reporting