Full section-by-section analysis
The canonical longform Sections 1–32 analysis of the ratified 2026–2031 agreement against the former 2016–2021 baseline, with implementation history noted only where it materially affects current interpretation.
Post-ratification status: The ratified 2026–2031 agreement is now the current governing agreement. It was ratified on May 12, 2026 and became effective May 31, 2026, the first day of the June bid month. Until a clean final 2026–2031 CBA PDF is publicly available, CrewSignal cites the ratified 2026–2031 agreement text as the operative public source document, alongside the former 2016–2021 JCBA, LOA 9 implementation materials, and later official implementation updates.
Editor's Note: CrewSignal provides source-based comparisons of collective bargaining documents for informational purposes. This analysis is not legal advice, advocacy, or strategy. Official source documents always supersede these summaries. Practical application depends on specific implementation terms and subsequent administration.
Overview
Former agreement effective August 28, 2016 · Amendable August 28, 2021 · Replaced by the ratified 2026–2031 agreement effective May 31, 2026
Comparison frame: former 2016–2021 CBA vs. ratified 2026–2031 agreement.
This comparison hub focuses on the former 2016–2021 CBA and the ratified 2026–2031 agreement. Use it to reach the full longform report, jump directly to individual sections, review key deep dives, and open the original source documents.
Jump to a contract section
Use the section index below to move directly into the full report by section number and title.
Appendices
Focused issue pages and integrated appendices for scope, compensation methodology, reserve, LOAs, benefits, and reader framework materials.
Source documents
Direct links to the former 2016–2021 CBA, the ratified 2026–2031 agreement text, and the United pilot agreement used for LOA 16 scope analysis.
Section index
Sections 1–8
- Section 1 — Recognition, Successorship and Mergers
- Section 2 — Definitions
- Section 3 — General
- Section 4 — Compensation
- Section 5 — Expenses, Transportation and Lodging
- Section 6 — Minimum Pay and Credit, Hours of Service, and Contractual Legalities
- Section 7 — Scheduling
- Section 8 — Reserve Scheduling Procedures
Sections 9–16
Sections 17–24
Appendices
LOA Appendix
Letter-by-letter architecture with emphasis on implementation timing, LOA 9, LOA 16, LOA 18, LOA 19, and one-time payment provisions.
Summary
Ratified agreement vs. former 2016–2021 CBA
The ratified agreement improves front-end economics, adds the LOA 16 United Express scope issue, and preserves / restructures several benefit and implementation provisions relative to the former 2016–2021 baseline.
Ratified agreement vs. former baseline
The ratified agreement is materially better than the former 2016–2021 operating baseline in many economic, reserve, benefits, safety, and enforcement areas — but often through phased implementation.
Biggest New Positive
Sit pay is a real new compensation item and should be treated as one, not dismissed as cosmetic.
Biggest New Negative
Scope / LOA 16 adds a real United Express carve-out that did not exist in the former 2016–2021 CBA.
Source documents
Former 2016–2021 CBA
Ratified 2026–2031 agreement text · final clean CBA PDF pending
United pilot agreement
The hub, full report, and integrated LOA 16 analysis reference the September 29, 2023 United Pilot Agreement. The full agreement is included here as a primary source for the complete report.