United Airlines Holdings Inc. flight attendants rejected a new contract that would have provided cumulative pay increases of as much as 45.6% over five years.

My InsiderThe immediate raise would be as much as 27.8%, meaning a rise in hourly pay for those in their first year from $28.88 to $36.92. By the end of the contract, the starting pay would be $42 ...

However, while Matthews was on medical leave, United terminated her contract. The supervisor remains employed. She is seeking lost wages, punitive damages, attorney fees and back pay.

United Airlines is preparing to furlough up to 36,000 employees -- as much as 45% of its front-line U.S.-based workers -- as the coronavirus pandemic ravages the airline industry.