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For Immediate Release: July10, 2012
Contact: Corey Caldwell 202-434-0586
Flight Attendant Union Advocates To Congress On Future of
Transportation Security
Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA)
testified today at the “Challenging the Status Quo at TSA:
Perspectives on the Future of Transportation Security” hearing
before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland
Security’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security. Speaking on
behalf of the world’s largest Flight Attendant union, AFA Flight
Attendant Colby Alonso outlined recommendations for improving
U.S. aviation security.
As first responders in the aircraft cabin, Flight Attendants
have a unique perspective on a number of Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) programs and the need for a risk-based
approach to security. AFA outlined how expedited screening for
all crewmembers (Known Crewmember), self defense training for
Flight Attendants, the acquisition and deployment of discreet,
crewmember communications equipment, and the continuation of the
federalized TSA workforce will assist in responding to emerging
security threats.
“Flight Attendants routinely identify and manage threat levels,
use our training to de-escalate threats, and provide direction
to passengers willing to assist in restraining assailants. We
are charged with protecting the cockpit at all costs, including
the loss of our own lives. Security doesn’t just happen; over
one hundred thousand Flight Attendants working in the U.S.
aviation system ensure that our skies are safe,” said Alonso.
AFA has been a consistent advocate for alternative screening
that accurately reflects Flight Attendants’ credentials as
pre-screened safety professionals as well as improving Flight
Attendant training. By providing crewmembers with the
information, skills and tools necessary to respond to a new form
of security threat, the industry can continue to move forward
and remain vigilant in pursuit of safer and more secure skies.
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 over 65 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 at 21 airlines 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 .
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