Brian Varela Denounces Proposed Merger Between United and American Airlines

Morris County, NJ (April 16, 2026) – Brian Varela, Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 7th District, denounced the proposed merger between United Airlines and American Airlines, calling it a threat to both consumers and the working-class airport employees who keep the aviation industry running.

The proposed merger, which United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby pitched to President Trump in late February, would create an aviation behemoth holding dominant or monopoly positions at 159 airports nationwide.

The impact on workers would be severe. The merger would trigger massive job losses through elimination of duplicate roles including ground staff, maintenance workers, passenger service agents, and administrative support. It would also threaten recent union wage gains, including the hard-won agreement to raise wages to $25 per hour by 2032 for NY/NJ airport service workers. Perhaps most concerning, the merged airline would have increased leverage to consolidate service contracts and drive down wages and benefits for subcontracted workers already at the bottom of the pay scale.

"32BJ SEIU represents 14,000 airport workers in the New York/New Jersey region—baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, wheelchair attendants, security officers," Varela explained. "These workers just won a historic wage increase after years of organizing. A consolidated airline giant could bypass local labor requirements and threaten those gains. That's unacceptable."

For consumers, the merger would mean higher airfares due to reduced competition, with fewer discount fare options available. Flight frequency to secondary cities would be reduced, forcing more inconvenient multi-leg journeys for travelers who currently enjoy nonstop service. The merged airline would also likely use larger aircraft to maximize hub operations, leading to longer delays, more lost luggage, and increased congestion at security checkpoints.

Varela, a childcare provider and progressive advocate, highlighted these threats.

"This isn't just another corporate merger. This is a consolidation that would give one airline monopoly control over about 40% of all U.S. flights and about 60% of operations at Newark Airport," Varela said. "When competition dies, prices go up and workers lose leverage. We've seen this story before, and working families always pay the price."

Antitrust experts have expressed skepticism that the merger could win regulatory approval, citing extensive route overlaps and concentration concerns. William Kovacic, director of the Competition Law Center at George Washington University, called the proposal "hopeless," noting that "no amount of divestiture would fix" the competitive problems, particularly in metropolitan areas like Chicago.

"This merger faces steep regulatory hurdles for good reason," Varela said. "It would reduce the 'Big 4' airlines to a 'Big 3' with one dominant player. We need competition to keep prices down and service quality up. We need good union jobs with fair wages and benefits. This merger threatens both, and I'll be fighting against it every step of the way."

###

About Brian Varela

Brian Varela is a 37-year-old first-generation American, small business owner, and father running for Congress in NJ-07. Raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents, Brian put himself through college, helped raise his younger brother, and built one of the fastest-growing companies in America during the COVID crisis. Recognized by Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine for leadership and innovation, Brian brings a real-world perspective to one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Visit www.varelaforcongress.com for more information and follow us on Threads, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.