Flight Attendant Union Celebrates Professionalism On The Hudson Four Years Later
Washington, DC, January 14, 2013 – Four years after US Airways Flight Attendants Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, and Doreen Welsh safely evacuated 150 passengers from flight 1549 as the plane sank into the Hudson River, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) celebrates the professionalism they displayed on January 15, 2009. AFA issued the following statement:
“The evacuation of flight 1549 reminded everyone around the world, in stunning fashion, the primary role and purpose of Flight Attendants as First Responders. Each day, on every commercial flight, Flight Attendants report to work prepared to handle a myriad of potential emergency situations. As First Responders, Flight Attendants must always remain vigilant, prepared to utilize their skills and training at a moment’s notice to ensure the safety of their passengers.
“On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed how the vast experience and training of the Flight Attendants on flight 1549 was crucial in the prompt evacuation of every man, woman and child onboard. Because of their grace under pressure, today there are 150 people and their families who are grateful for the courage, skill and preparedness exhibited by Donna, Sheila and Doreen.
“While the events of flight 1549 highlighted the heroic actions of the crew and other First Responders, we are also reminded of the dedication and professionalism displayed daily by thousands of aviation workers and First Responders. Together with other union members and workers in the air, over the air waves, on the water and on the ground this event was not the Miracle on the Hudson, it was the Professionals and First Responders on the Hudson.”
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 .
