United Airlines' unions are concerned about airline's closer ties to Emirates.

In response to the news that United Airlines and Emirates have announced a new partnership, which will see interlining activities plus a codeshare agreement being developed for the two airlines, the five unions that represent United Airlines’ workers wrote a unified statement. The unified statement makes the fundamental complaint that “Emirates Airlines has been sustained by massive government subsidies."

The union leaders' major concern is related to the lack of unions available to Emirates staff.

"The fact remains that there are currently no independent labor unions in the United Arab Emirates. This has led to a systemic, unacceptable assault on airline workers' rights, with alarming accounts of unfair labor practices and intimidation by employers."

One of those “unfair labor practices and intimidation” was covered in the January by Insider, which wrote about Emirates flight attendants. According to the article, Emirates flight attendants' weights are checked and those who appear overweight are harassed. This is confirmed by a September 6, 2021 report by the UK Mirror about a British-based Emirates flight attendant similarly harassed.

Another set of issues arises from the Medium essay of Van Vo, a former Emirates flight attendant. Vo mentions a schedule that is, “Created to maximize company profits and efficiency. It does not necessarily benefit the employees.” Vo adds that “Skype and other popular video call apps are blocked in the UAE.” The internet restrictions go farther than just video calls. The UAE blocks websites that, according to its Regulatory Policy, Internet Access Management, are

Internet Content that is unacceptable and contrary to the public interest, public morality, public order, public and national security, Islamic morality or any prohibited matter according to any laws, regulations, procedures or requirements applicable in the UAE. One of the prohibited content categories is, Internet content that is involved in planning, organizing, promoting or calling for demonstrations, marches or the like without authorization from the competent authority.

Basically, if Emirates employees attempted to unionize or communicate about unionization the way several US pilots’ unions have used informational pickets, using any means of communication, these attempts would be blocked.

The current Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group is the founder, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This is the same gentleman who also is the President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, which regulates UAE civil aviation. The arrangement is as if a major airline US CEO also was a chief executive of the US Federal Aviation Administration. Furthermore, the Emirates Group is a holding of the Investment Corporation of Dubai - the same investment corporation that has, as a chairman, the Crown Prince of Dubai in H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Clearly, governance, finance, and the airline business intertwine in the UAE, a stark difference from the leadership and governance of United Airlines. United is a corporation beholden to shareholders that must address truly independent regulators such as the National Labor Relations Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Though United received government aid during the COVID-19 crisis, it is not regularly funded by the United States government.

Yes, there are concerns that the plan to allow potential passengers to book Emirates flights on United’s website and vice versa may lead to much more. Emirates’ ability to connect major international airports to its Dubai hub gives United greater access to Indian and African destinations. According to the September 14 statement from United, the intent is to allow easier connectivity, frequent flyer rewards on both airlines, and access to lounges. The goal is not to replace existing routes.

It also again grates on those leaders that United is partnering with a national airline owned by a government that neither protects nor upholds the same collective bargaining rights as the United States. But perhaps this development will foster cultural exchange and democratization for the United Arab Emirates, only time can tell.

What are your thoughts? Please post them in the comments, with civility.

Sources: Insider, UK Mirror, Van Vo Medium Essay

Journalist - When not reading and writing about aviation, Joe is photographing it. Joe Loves educating the public about aviation, and generating enthusiasm around flying while supporting all those who work in aviation. Based in Skagit County, United States

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