Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Washington, DC, January 15, 2013 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) joined government and industry experts this week to discuss the future of in-flight use of portable electronic devices. The committee, organized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been tasked with evaluating regulations, policies and procedures that attempt to manage the safe use of portable electronic devices during flight.

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.

Washington, DC, January 11, 2013 – Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) filed a lawsuit against airline management for forcing Flight Attendants who wish to provide health insurance for their domestic partners into a lesser quality plan. The lawsuit accuses management of exploiting procedural loopholes to avoid their obligation of providing equal benefits to Flight Attendants.

Washington, DC, January 10, 2013 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) applauds Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis’ dedication to improving the lives of Flight Attendants and working families. In honor of Secretary Solis’ service at the Department of Labor, AFA issued the following statement:

“Through the advocacy of Secretary Solis, safety and health standards in the aircraft cabin have improved. For the first time in history, Flight Attendants will have vital Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) protections that millions of Americans have had for decades. We commend Secretary Solis for her zero tolerance approach to preventable workplace injuries.

Washington, DC, January 07, 2013 – Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued a statement today in support of members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001 at The Boeing Company in their struggle for equal rights. Alaska AFA President Jeffrey Peterson said the following:

“AFA has a longstanding commitment to equality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression which is why Alaska Flight Attendants stand in solidarity with our aviation colleagues at Boeing in their struggle for equal rights. With an all-Boeing fleet of aircraft, Alaska Flight Attendants depend on the professionalism and dedication of SPEEA members each and every day.

Washington, DC, December 18, 2012 - The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement honoring the life and legacy of Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye:

“Today, we join our sisters and brothers across the country in mourning the loss of a tireless advocate for American workers. For over five decades, Senator Inouye stood with the middle class to create a country that worked for everyone.

“Through his various positions on committees vital to the aviation industry, Senator Inouye was a supporter of numerous Flight Attendant issues. His contributions to our industry have been innumerable.

Flight Attendants and Supporters Hold Massive Demonstration at Event Featuring Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza

Washington, DC, December 7, 2012 – Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), and supporters from the Broward County labor community protested today outside a conference where Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza was a guest speaker. With hundreds in attendance, demonstrators called attention to the inequities Flight Attendants experience at Spirit Airlines.

“Spirit management’s failure to recognize the significant role Flight Attendants play in the success of the airline cannot be tolerated. The dedication and professionalism of Flight Attendants and our colleagues is what makes Spirit a thriving and vibrant airline. Yet management refuses to honor our contributions. At this point, management is choosing a path that leads to a strike and they have to be held accountable for their actions, Todd St. Pierre, AFA President at Spirit.

Washington, DC, December 6, 2012 – Compass Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today requested a proffer of arbitration from the National Mediation Board (NMB), indicating willingness to strike should management fail to negotiate a new agreement for the nearly 450 Flight Attendants. If the NMB grants AFA’s request and agrees that management has refused to make significant movement, then negotiations will be declared deadlocked and both parties will be released into a 30-day “cooling off” period leading to a strike deadline.

Flight Attendants Will Demonstrate During CEO Ben Baldanza’s Appearance at Equity Conference

Washington, DC, December 6, 2012 - Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will protest on Friday, December 7 against management delays in negotiations. Flight Attendants are fed up after five years of negotiations; they expect a fair contract now. While Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza addresses the 2012 INVEST Florida Equity Conference, Flight Attendants and their supporters will turn out en masse to protest the inequities Flight Attendants experience at Spirit Airlines.

Washington, DC, December 04, 2012 – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement of support today as a Communications Workers of America (CWA) representation election begins for 9,700 passenger service agents at American Airlines:

“AFA knows first hand how a strong voice during the bankruptcy process can greatly benefit workers. Over the past year, there has been much change at American Airlines. However, through CWA representation, Passenger Service Agents will play an integral role in the rebuilding of their airline.