The MEC Hotel and Transportation Committee has seen increased social media discussions around displeasure with the hotels United chooses around our system. The corporate decisions which focus on lowering costs have rapidly reduced the quality of our layover locations and accommodation. In the past, the selection process for crew accommodations was a highly collaborative effort. Flight attendants were regarded as “internal customers,” and the task was entrusted to experienced buyers with a background in hospitality. To clarify and address some of these concerns, we want to shed light on and answer some frequently asked questions surrounding these topics.
Q. Why are we changing hotels in City X? Why are we in less desirable places?
A. We hear you. Many of us love the layover hotel in City X. What it comes down to, plain and simple, is the company’s procurement department, which handles contracts for all things from hotels, toilet paper, and plastic cups, is heavily driven by cost-saving measures for the company’s profits. This focus in company obligation regarding their own wallet has drastically reduced our hotel selections. As with many things, post pandemic, the hotel markets have changed. While hotels once valued their contracts with airlines, the current market allows them to sell their rooms at a higher price to other clients - a price the company is unwilling to pay for.
When a need for a new hotel contract arises, or every two years when contracts are renewable, the company’s team compiles a list of hotels and determines if they want United’s business and at what cost. Cost savings is a driving factor in the selection process. The hotels the company chooses to put on the inspection list is then inspected by representatives from both the company and the Union. These inspections identify whether or not the hotel meets the objective standards set forth in our Agreement, which include safety, cleanliness and the ability to receive adequate rest, among other things. Many times, we have differing views on hotel compliance with the Contractual standards.
Over time, the company has found ways to dilute the intent of our Contract language or find ways around it to save money and put their profits over our comfort and quality of layovers in our trips.
While “good” layovers were once seen as an investment into employee quality of life and well-being, almost all company decisions prioritize the lowest bidder for our hotel contracts.
Q. What can I do to get involved in these issues?
A. Your enthusiasm about these issues and willingness to help means a lot to your fellow members! Your local AFA council is always looking for passionate individuals to help out and volunteer within the Union. Those interested can contact your LEC office to find out where help is needed and how you can get involved.
To be clear, the most important driver to change is data to show the company why they need to make any changes. Understanding we all experience "reporting fatigue,” it’s necessary to drive change; every issue, every time so the information is available for the Union to advocate to the company for changes. To report a hotel or transportation issue for a contractual violation or concern, please file an official report HERE. Be assured that your report is read by the company and AFA hotel committees, even if you do not receive a response.