United Airlines’ dispatchers vote to ratify contract extension

CHICAGO, IL – United’s more than 420 dispatchers, represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association, have voted by a 91 percent margin to ratify a tentative agreement that will extend their current contract through the end of 2021.

“This contract recognizes the essential role our dispatchers play toward fulfilling United’s shared purpose, and I thank the negotiating teams from both PAFCA and United for swiftly reaching a deal that works for our company and our employees,” said United President and CEO Oscar Munoz. “I’m glad we’re taking this positive step together.”

The new agreement delivers meaningful improvements for both the company and dispatchers.

United has joint collective bargaining agreements covering the majority of its represented work groups, including pilots, ramp and passenger-service agents, storekeepers, load planners, maintenance and fleet technical instructors, and dispatchers. Recently, United’s pilots voted to ratify a contract extension more than a year ahead of their contract’s amendable date, following an expedited negotiations process with ALPA. The company recently opened contract negotiations early for the work groups represented by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, including ramp and passenger-service agents, storekeepers, load planners, and maintenance and fleet technical instructors. The airline is also engaged in mediated negotiations with the Association of Flight Attendants and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.