The pilots of United Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, have approved a two-year extension to their collective bargaining agreement with United Continental Holdings.
Of the 10,569 eligible pilots, 90.94 percent participated in the ratification vote. 79 percent approved the agreement.
The agreement extends the amendable date of the United Pilot Agreement to January 31, 2019, and provides increases in compensation putting United pilots at the top of the industry, restores pay and vacation value to previously furloughed pilots, and enhances the scheduling rules for long-haul flights.
“This is an agreement that recognizes the professionalism and contributions our pilots make each day to the success of United Airlines,” said Captain Jay Heppner, chairman of the United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association.
“It has long been our contention that this pilot group is among the most talented and experienced in the airline business. This agreement recognizes our contributions to making United Airlines a world class airline, and acknowledges our commitment to making United the airline of choice for business and leisure travelers.”
“This extension provides further momentum for United as we work together with the shared purpose of making United the best airline for our employees and customers,” said Oscar Munoz, president and CEO of United. “I want to recognize the efforts of both ALPA’s and United’s negotiating teams. Their hard work enabled us to achieve this ratified contract extension more than a year ahead of the amendable date.”
The agreement runs through January 2019 and covers United’s more than 12,000 pilots.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 52,000 pilots at 30 U.S. and Canadian airlines.