Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Flying Partners, friends and family,
First and foremost, thank you. This week, TSA estimated we’ll carry 20 million passengers—nearly the same as the holiday week in 2019. That means you’re making it possible for tens of millions of Americans to come together with loved ones across the country. That is something to recognize and be thankful for. So thank you.
This has been another unprecedented year, one that has tested our industry and all of us.
The year began with the third and final round of PSP grants, providing a total of 16 months of security and stability for workers across our industry while we continued to recover. We not only stabilized the industry, stopped airline bankruptcies or efforts by management to come to us for concessions, we provided breathing room for our negotiations for improvements by banning stock buybacks through September 30, 2022 and capping executive compensation through March 2023. We couldn't have done it without the incredible solidarity of Flight Attendants throughout the industry and we are especially grateful for our close coordination with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants and the Delta Flight Attendants organizing for AFA representation who joined us in actions around the country. We are Stronger and Better Together.
We have a lot to do to take care of each other and make sure our airports and planes are filled with kindness rather than combat. After instruction from President Biden to crack down on disruptive passengers, yesterday the "Justice Department directed U.S. attorneys to prioritize the prosecution of airline passengers who have committed federal crimes aboard aircraft." And, Secretary Buttigieg has said repeatedly that the Department of Transportation has our backs and a federal no fly list for violent offenders is on the table for solutions.
We are grateful for the efforts of FAA Administrator Steve Dickson to prioritize coordinated action across aviation, law enforcement, and the government to stop disruptive passengers and clearly communicate the rules. In advance of this holiday, the agency produced this video recognizing our work and encouraging kindness from passengers.
Whatever your holiday holds, we wish you the warmest and best Thanksgiving. Our gratitude in representing Flight Attendants makes our hearts full this Thanksgiving. Thank you for all you do, and for your courage, grit and compassion over these last two years that have been unlike anything in our industry’s history.
With Gratitude and In Solidarity,
Sara Nelson, International President
Deb Sutor, International Vice President
Kevin Creighan, International Secretary-Treasurer
