United Airlines Hides $1 Billion In Unpaid Crew Cost, Labor Leader Says

Forbes Business

by Ted Reed, Senior Contributor

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

United Airlines is facing significant criticism over unpaid crew costs, with the AFA President alleging that the company has accumulated $1 billion in unpaid wages and benefits for its employees. This claim comes amid ongoing labor negotiations, with the union leader comparing United CEO Scott Kirby unfavorably to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom. The AFA President highlighted that while Robert Isom successfully resolved a similar issue at his airline, Scott Kirby has yet to address the problem, leading to growing tensions within United’s workforce. The situation underscores deeper issues within United’s labor relations strategy. The company has been grappling with challenges in managing crew costs and wages, which have resulted in prolonged disputes. The AFA President emphasized that Kirby’s handling of labor deals contrasts sharply with Isom’s approach at American Airlines, where such matters were resolved more effectively. This disparity has raised questions about United’s priorities and its ability to maintain a stable and motivated workforce. The implications for stakeholders are significant. Investors may be concerned about the potential impact on United’s financial health and reputation if the labor issues persist. Additionally, passengers could face disruptions if tensions boil over into strikes or other forms of industrial action. The AFA President’s comments not only highlight the immediate financial burden but also point to broader concerns about management strategies that prioritize short-term gains over employee well-being. Addressing these issues will be crucial for United to restore trust with its crew and ensure long-term operational stability.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/23/2026