AFA Remembers Flight Attendant Ruth Jordan
February 25, 2020 — 
We mourn the passing of a legend in our ranks - Ruth Jordan, a 50 plus year Flight Attendant and Purser, who transcended 4 airline mergers beginning in 1957 with then Bonanza Airlines, continuing with Hughes Airwest, Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines and concluding with Delta Air Lines in 2014. We lost Ruth last Sunday January 19th, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Ruth was a true Unionist in every sense of the word and strong supporter of AFA in its infancy (promoting the 1973 certification from prior affiliation with ALPA - S&S Division). She was one of the first Staff Negotiators for AFA and an outstanding arbitrator, with the Seniority List Arbitration showing that seniority is one of the most important elements in a flight attendant's career, impacting every aspect of our working lives. As she clearly showed, it doesn't matter what type of aircraft you flew over what route, a flight attendant's seniority becomes an integral part of an identity and career. Collective bargaining agreements to this day reap the benefits of these hard-fought efforts. Ruth was well versed in arbitrations, winning many for individual Flight Attendants as well as the entire Flight Attendant group (and far more than the company).
Ruth's legacy will be known as a great Unionist, Contract Negotiator, Seniority List Integration, Merger Committee and System Board of Adjustment member.
As can be understood, Ruth's roots are deeply rooted in AFA history and we have been the benefactors ever since. Her knowledge, leadership and sheer passion are well recognized and today we celebrate all that Ruth has contributed over time in furthering our Flight Attendant profession and solidifying the fact that through Union representation we make (and have made) our greatest advancements.
Ruth’s Memorial and Reception will be held on 3/1/2020 at:
Scottsdale Ranch Community Center
10585 N. 100th St. Scottsdale 85258
