United Airlines and its pilots’ union have agreed to a preliminary labor deal that includes pay increases of as much as 40.2% over four years, ending months of tense negotiations and airport pickets, CNBC reported. The deal makes United’s aviators the latest from a major airline to reach an agreement for higher wages amid the post-pandemic travel boom. The preliminary deal, which the Air Line Pilots Association announced, comes months after Delta Air Lines pilots ratified a new contract that included 34% raises over four years, the first of the top four airlines to reach a new agreement. American Airlines and its pilots’ union reached a new labor deal with 40% raises over four years, though it still faces a ratification vote by members. The pandemic paused contract negotiations across the industry but workers have been pushing for higher pay and better working conditions since travel demand returned and talks resumed. Southwest Airlines and its pilots union haven’t reached an agreement and the union is seeking release from federal mediation, a step toward a potential strike. United pilots’ union said the tentative deal is worth about $10 billion and includes a host of other improvements, including overtime pay, holiday pay and scheduling. Cumulative pay increases range from 34.5% to 40.2% based on the type of aircraft a pilot flies. Upon the date of signing, pilots would get pay hikes from 13.8% up to 18.7%. The contract won’t be finalized until it’s ratified by the company’s 16,000 pilots.
