CHICAGO, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Unions representing pilots and flight attendants at United Airlines announced ratification of pay-cutting contracts to help the ailing carrier exit bankruptcy.
The deal approved by the Air Line Pilots Association would cut salaries 11.8 percent saving United about $180 million a year. ALPA said more than 75.5 percent of United's 6,400 union pilots voted to accept the concessions.
More than 56 percent of United flight attendants voted in favor of an agreement expected to save United $131 million annually. Over 70 percent of the 20,000 flight attendants voted.
"The ratification of these concessions is not an endorsement of United Airlines management," said Greg Davidowitch, AFA United Master Executive Council president. "The sacrifices borne by the flight attendants in contract changes than include reduced hourly rates of pay to 1991 levels will have a harsh affect on flight attendants and their families."
Mechanics and aircraft cleaners rejected an agreement calling for $96 million in yearly concessions Friday and United may ask a bankruptcy judge to abrogate their contracts.
