United reaches preliminary, 4-year labor deal with pilots, with up to 40% raises

United Airlines and its pilots’ union have agreed to a preliminary labor deal that includes pay increases of as much as 40.2% over four years, ending months of tense negotiations and airport pickets. The deal makes United’s aviators the latest from a major airline to reach an agreement for higher wages amid the post-pandemic travel boom.

The preliminary deal, which the Air Line Pilots Association announced Saturday, comes months after Delta Air Lines pilots ratified a new contract that included 34% raises over four years, the first of the top four airlines to reach a new agreement. American Airlines and its pilots’ union reached a new labor deal with 40% raises over four years, though it still faces a ratification vote by members.

The pandemic paused contract negotiations across the industry but workers have been pushing for higher pay and better working conditions since travel demand returned and talks resumed.

The United agreement won’t be finalized until it’s ratified by the company’s pilots. United didn’t immediately comment.

The pilots overwhelmingly rejected a preliminary, 18-month deal last year.

United is scheduled to report second-quarter earnings after the market closes Wednesday, and executives are likely to face questions about the cost of the deal during a conference call the next day.