United Flight Attendants Demonstrate

Chanting and waving signs, flight attendants from United Airlines lined the roadway near Bush Intercontinental Airport to let passengers and management know they're angry and they want a new contract. It was one of many such demonstrations staged around the globe.

"Flight attendants from around the world are standing together letting management know we want something better. That we want an industry-leading contract that recognizes the work we do for this company." said AFA Union representative Steve Eckerby.

A company they says is experiencing record profits. They say share prices are up 162-percent and executive pay went up 36-percent Flight attendants say they want a share of the profits too.

Five years ago United merged with Continental and Air Micronesia. Flight attendants from the three airlines came into the new company with different contracts and despite three years of negotiations they all still do.

They aren't threatening to strike.. at least not yet. The strike deadline is months away. but they are aware of their power. They do more than just pass out snacks and drinks. According to the FAA they are critical safety personnel. They have the power to ground flights..

"Correct. If we're not there it's a no go item." said Eckerby.

United airlines released this statement in response to the demonstrations.

“We are disappointed that we have not yet reached a joint agreement with the AFA, but remain committed to working with the union to reach an agreement and are actively engaged at the table.”