United Airlines made no major announcements on January 12, 2026. The airline’s primary focus remains the protracted contract negotiations involving its 25,000 flight attendants.
In early January, United stated the union’s demands are "unrealistic" and would create a "competitive disadvantage."
United proposed wage increases, but conditioned them on specific trade-offs. These trade-offs include changes to both reserve guarantees and scheduling systems.
Flight attendants have not received a pay raise for five years. The union now pushes for improvements after members rejected a tentative agreement last summer.
Resolving the negotiations is critical for United. The airline requires a resolution to ensure operational stability and manage labor costs effectively.