Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

No, Janus Is Not a Trojan Horse

Originally published in Jacobin on April 18, 2018

The Supreme Court is poised to bring “right to work” (RTW) to the public sector. Conservative, anti-labor forces see this as a blow to labor and are providing the financial and ideological support for the effort. Public employee unions agree that the push — which would outlaw “union security” provisions that mandate workers covered by union contracts pay for their representation — will further weaken unions. Some labor commentators, however, looking for silver linings, argue that Janus v. AFSCME may be a blessing in disguise.

Stand with Teachers and Students This Friday, April 20

April 19, 2018 — The 2018 AFA-CWA Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution to stand together in solidarity with our teachers and students to demand a safe and robust education system for our children and wages reflecting our educators’ great contributions to our future generations.

AFA Congratulates JetBlue Flight Attendants

Congratulations to JetBlue Flight Attendants for voting to join TWU today!

Op-Ed: United Airlines catering workers deserve a union

Originally published in the Houston Chronicle on April 9, 2018

I have worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines and before that for Continental for a total of 28 years. Over the years, unionized flight attendants have fought hard for decent salaries, safe working conditions and respect. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of United Airlines employees here in Houston who are still living in poverty without safe jobs or respect at work.

Orlando airport backs off call to privatize TSA

Originally published in The Orlando Sentinel on March 30, 2018

Orlando’s airport has backed off from its push to privatize security officers.

FAA Provides Safety Alert for Fume Events

We are pleased to report that on March 26, 2018, the FAA published a “Safety Alert for Operators” (SAFO) No. 18003, that advises airlines to enhance their operational procedures to minimize onboard exposure to smoke and fumes. Importantly, it explicitly references the need for airlines to assess “policies and procedures regarding odor, smoke, and/or fumes recognition, differentiation, and mitigation.” A key source of such onboard fumes is the cabin air supply system when engine oil and hydraulic fluid contaminate the ventilation air. Many of our union members have documented serious symptoms after breathing those types of fumes.

See also: FAA Safety Alert for Operators (.pdf)

AFA Notifies American Airlines Group, Twin Hill of Intent to Sue over Uniforms

March 23, 2018 — Flight Attendants at Envoy, PSA, and Piedmont, along with mainline American Flight Attendants, have suffered for over a year due to toxic uniforms. AFA members have reported symptoms associated with wearing the new uniforms including rash/irritated skin, eye irritation, breathing problems, and headaches. These symptoms mirror the types of symptoms reported by our sisters and brothers who are wearing these uniforms at mainline American. AFA has repeatedly encouraged American to remove the toxic uniforms from the property with a temporary replacement. While the airline has chosen a new future vendor, it will be years before the new uniform fully replaces the toxic uniforms.