by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:25 AM ET, Sat November 24, 2018
Over 24,000 United Airlines flight attendants announced through their union that a national Day of Action will take place December 13 to protest staffing cuts and other issues facing crew members.
According to the Chicago Business Journal, attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) said the Day of Action will include informational picket lines at United hubs in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey, San Francisco and more.
AFA leaders have said they are taking the fight with United public in order to polarize passengers, as the flight attendants believe they are also defending the traveling public with their demands, including a reversal of Polaris class cabin staffing cuts.
Officials from United said the cut to Polaris class staff taking effect February 1 will not impact service, as the airline plans to pre-plate entrees served in the business cabin. One less employee working in Polaris class will match the ratio utilized by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
In response, the AFA said the pre-plated meals won't help in the aisles like an extra attendant.
United also revealed the staffing cuts in Polaris class could also help the carrier's bottom line performance as fuel prices rise.
The AFA is also looking to draw attention to other major issues, including insufficient hotel accommodations during irregular operations and severe weather, grueling schedules, payroll issues and a better way to resolve discrepancies.
"We will continue to work closely with the AFA on issues that are important to our flight attendants," a United spokesperson told the Chicago Business Journal. "We don't expect any impact on our customers."
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