Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Hotel workers’ partnership with AFA could impact millions of dollars in the travel industry

[Chicago, IL] – On Tuesday, over 100 leaders from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) rallied in front of Hyatt headquarters in Chicago and delivered a letter to corporate leaders at Hyatt supporting the Hyatt boycott and demanding safer working conditions for hotel employees. Flight Attendants found an easy partnership with hotel workers in their fight for worker justice as both sectors are part of the travel industry.

Chicago, IL – Addressing the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) annual Board of Directors convention, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood commended AFA for its collective dedication to combating human trafficking. Secretary LaHood emphasized the importance of proper training for Flight Attendants in order to identify possible victims and report potential trafficking to the authorities. AFA is among the network of partners working together with DOT and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to educate frontline transportation workers on how to help stop human trafficking.

Washington, DC – Flight Attendants at American Eagle, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), filed a motion yesterday with the Southern District Bankruptcy Court of New York objecting to the recent announcement that AMR Corporation will begin outsourcing American Airlines regional flying to a non-AMR-owned carrier.

Polls Open for 7,500 Flight Attendants – Vote Count Thursday, February 28, 2013

Washington, DC – Starting today, US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will begin voting on a tentative agreement including economic improvements, industry-leading job protections and an opportunity for negotiating additional improvements following announcement of the pending merger with American Airlines. Ballots will be counted on Thursday, February 28.

Washington, DC–The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) will participate in a media event this afternoon with acting Secretary of Labor Seth Harris to discuss the implementation of a technical correction to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that grants Flight Attendants and flight crewmembers the same legal protections under FMLA as employees from other industries.

Washington, DC, February 5 , 2013 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement today after the passing of AFA’s last remaining founding member, Edith Edna Lauterbach:

“Today, the Flight Attendant community lost our hero, our guiding light - Edith Lauterbach. As our heavy hearts remember our friend and trailblazing founder, we reflect on Edith’s contributions to our profession and our union each and everyday.

“After being hired by United Airlines in 1944, Edith was a motivated activist who quickly began questioning Flight Attendant safety, wages and working conditions. By 1945, after joining forces with four Flight Attendant colleagues, the first union organized, run and controlled by women was founded. And for nearly seven decades, her role and involvement in our union has been invaluable to hundreds of Flight Attendant leaders and an inspiration to countless activists.

“Edith’s legacy to our profession still touches each and every Flight Attendant across the country. In 1952, she assisted in the creation of Federal regulations for Flight Attendant safety and evacuations. Her advocacy helped establish an evacuation process that serves as a basis today. As a result of her work, the 90-second evacuation was established and serves as a basis for evacuations today.

Washington, DC, February 5, 2013 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today praised the Department of Labor for implementing the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). On the twentieth anniversary of FMLA, the DOL provided the guidance needed to establish eligibility requirements specifically for Flight Attendants and airline flight crewmembers.

“This is an exciting day for Flight Attendants and crewmembers across the nation. It is fitting that as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historic legislation that has helped millions of workers care for themselves and their loved ones without jeopardizing their jobs, the Department of Labor announces the final rule that provides the same peace of mind and protections to Flight Attendants and our families,” said Veda Shook, AFA International President.

The rule-making finalized by the Hour and Wage Division of the Department of Labor provides specific instruction on how to implement the technical correction and apply the standards for crewmember benefits.

Washington, DC, February 4, 2013 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement recognizing tomorrow’s 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking, family-friendly legislation, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA:

“For over 20 years, FMLA has helped millions of workers care for themselves and their loved ones without jeopardizing their jobs or their families’ economic security. This law guarantees the freedom of working people to perform one of our fundamental functions as human beings -- caring for the people we love.

“In the past two decades, more than 100 million Americans have benefited from FMLA. When workers have access to tools that encourage balance between work and caregiving responsibilities, they are more productive – increasing quality of life and improving the fabric of our communities. By encouraging corporate responsibility and better labor relations, FMLA has been a tremendous success for both employers and employees alike.

Washington, DC, February 1, 2013 – Marking the culmination of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) reaffirmed its commitment to work toward ending human trafficking. Since 1942, February 1 has been commemorated as National Freedom Day, the day when President Lincoln signed the 13th amendment to end slavery.

“As the first responders of aviation, Flight Attendants are in a key position to join the fight against human trafficking. With appropriate training, we can help save the lives of innocent people, facilitate their rescue and help bring perpetrators to justice,” said AFA International President Veda Shook. “Today, there are still many victims of modern slavery - they are women and children, men and adults. They are all being denied basic human rights and we must work together to ensure that we put an end to this form of slavery.”

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) reached a tentative agreement with management this week on contract terms that would extend to 16 new Airbus A321neo aircraft on order. Details of the agreement are currently being sent to the over 1,400 Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants with voting scheduled for February 8 through February 27.