United Airlines Pilots Reach Deal with Airline for Up to 40% Raise

United Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, have reached a preliminary agreement with the airline, securing a potential salary increase of up to 40%, according to the union. The deal, valued at approximately $10 billion over the contract’s duration, also includes enhancements to various aspects of pilots’ work-life, compensation, job security, work rules, retirement, and benefits.

This agreement brings an end to a prolonged negotiation period that spanned over four years, resolving a longstanding stalemate between the pilots and United management. As the travel industry rebounds from the impact of the pandemic, more pilot union groups have been advocating for improved benefits. In March, Delta pilots approved a contract that featured a 34% pay raise, while American Airlines pilots are currently in the process of voting on their own proposed contract.

The newfound agreement with United Airlines encompasses cumulative pay increases ranging from 34.5% to 40.2%, depending on the type of aircraft a pilot operates, as stated by the union. United Airlines expressed satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing their commitment to providing their pilots with an industry-leading contract. The airline believes that this four-year agreement, once ratified, will not only result in a substantial salary boost but also deliver improvements to the overall quality of life for their pilots. United Airlines additionally views this agreement as a strategic step towards achieving the airline’s ambitious United Next strategy.

Although negotiators have yet to finalize the specific wording of the agreement, it must ultimately be ratified by the union’s 16,000 member pilots.