Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 7, 2021) — The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) International President Sara Nelson released the following statement on the Senate confirmation of Deirdre Hamilton to serve on the National Mediation Board:

“We thank President Biden for nominating Deirdre Hamilton and Majority Leader Schumer for bringing her nomination to a successful confirmation vote today. Deirdre’s confirmation is welcome news for aviation and rail workers across the country. The National Mediation Board (NMB) will now have a pro-worker majority—and it couldn't come at a more urgent time.

"Piedmont Flight Attendants have voted 100% to authorize a strike if released from mediation by the NMB. Flight Attendants at several airlines are organizing with AFA to build their Flight Attendant Union and we are currently waiting on an election to be called at a new airline where 90 percent of the Flight Attendants signed authorization cards to ask for a vote to join AFA. Flight Attendants and aviation workers across the industry are going to the negotiating table this year.

"With over 20 years of experience, Deirdre Hamilton has represented workers across transportation, including Flight Attendants at AFA, before federal courts and with the NMB on legal issues, including union elections, mediation, contract enforcement, and major and minor dispute claims. Deirdre has amassed an in-depth knowledge of the Railway Labor Act (RLA), how it functions, and what it means for the rights of working people. We are thrilled to enforce the full spirit of this law as a member of the Board.

"The aviation and rail industries have good union jobs based on decades of collective bargaining under the RLA. We look forward to working with Deirdre on the Board as we organize and negotiate to improve the lives of Flight Attendants, our families, and all working people.”