Originally Posted by
welltravelled88
We can't pass judgement on the FAs without knowing the full story and knowing the legislation governing strikes in the US (at least I don't know it). Strike is a right. Someone would have to see whether the strike was in conformity with legislation, and what their trade union thinks about it.
The UA flight attendants union has not called for a strike vote or approved a strike. In fact, they just signed a new contract with UA a few weeks ago. They are negotiating right now for a blended contract with the CO flight attendants which will ultimately have both sets of flight attendants flying under one contract.
This flight was probably operated with a Continental crew, though, so the contract in play is the one signed with Continental flight attendants.
This is all about the flight attendants contract and working hours/conditions in that contract.
Originally Posted by
GadgetFreak
FL49 is BOM-EWR. Possibly an editorial judgement on Newark.
That's listed as a 15 hr 40 min flight. Add on 3 hours and it becomes 18 hrs 40 min. There has to be a cap somewhere as to how long a flight attendant duty day can last and where they waive applicable sections of the contract or additional benefits come into play for a longer duty day.
The OP said there was a 3 hour repair (18 hr 40 min duty day) followed by 2 hours negotiation (20 hr 40 min duty day). There has to be a cap somewhere where the flight attendants say "enough".