Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Washington, DC (January 9, 2015) – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) demands the reinstatement of the 13 Flight Attendants who were wrongfully terminated by United Airlines for refusing to fly on a plane without a full security inspection after ominous messages were found scrawled on the fuselage. AFA immediately filed grievances under its collective bargaining agreement with United seeking their reinstatement as Flight Attendants with full back pay and benefits restored. AFA International President Sara Nelson stated:

“As aviation’s first responders and last line of defense, crew members have the right to report suspicious and unsafe activity without fear of reprisals from their employers. AFA has fought hard to achieve and defend whistleblower protections. These protections play a vital role in protecting workers and the general public, and this case could have serious implications for aviation safety and security. The bravery and commitment to safety of these 13 Flight Attendants must be applauded, not punished.”

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The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.