Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the world’s largest Flight Attendant union, commends Ed Markey for his experience and strong track record on keeping our nation safe and secure. 

“Ed Markey has spent his career making our homeland safer and more secure,” stated Veda Shook, AFA International President. “After September 11, Ed Markey has been a Congressional leader in ensuring the protection of Americans, including authoring legislation to screen all cargo on passenger planes and scan cargo coming into our ports for nuclear materials. And his recent effort to block TSA’s decision to allow small knives on planes, has helped delay this dangerous policy change. Ed Markey has the experience and is the best candidate to fight for effective homeland security measures in the U.S. Senate.”

Washington, DC - The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued this statement today following the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announcement that airport security officers will continue to enforce the current prohibited items list which prohibits all knives:

Washington, DC - The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement today honoring the life and legacy of New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg:

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a great leader who has been instrumental in bettering the lives of all Americans through his lifetime of dedicated service. For nearly thirty years as an elected leader, Senator Lautenberg has been a champion of numerous Flight Attendant issues that have had tremendous impact on our profession.

In-Flight Disturbance Reinforces Importance of Ban on Knives

Washington, DC – Fulfilling their primary roles as aviation’s first responders, Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), yesterday morning ensured a male passenger was restrained after he allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit row window during descent on flight 132 from Anchorage to Portland. The passenger was detained in Portland.

145 Members of Congress Sign Letter to Administrator Pistole

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing nearly 90,000 flight attendants, applauded the efforts of Congress to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin for good. Representatives Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) led the effort by authoring the letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and generating bipartisan support. In all, 145 members of Congress signed on to the letter, stating that the TSA’s proposed rule change to allow knives in the passenger cabin for the first time since September 11, 2001 “is dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible.”

Flight Attendants Cheer Senate Legislation for Ban on Knives

(WASHINGTON, DC) – New York and New Jersey Senators today introduced legislation to “Keep Knives Out of Our Skies,” in response to an incredible chorus of opposition to the TSA rule change that would allow knives in the aircraft cabin for the first time since 9/11.  The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing nearly 90,000 flight attendants, applauds Senator Schumer, Gillibrand, Lautenberg and Menendez for introducing the legislation to ensure the TSA does not implement the new rule over the Memorial Day weekend.

Washington, DC – As Alaska Air Group holds its annual stockholders meeting on Tuesday, award-winning Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, will rally outside as they continue to press management for a fair contract.

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the world’s largest Flight Attendant union, today announced endorsement of Congressman Ed Markey for the U.S. Senate, specifically noting his proven record on strengthening aviation security. 

Reports Indicate TSA Knives and Slow Security Will Kick Off Summer Travel Season

Washington, DC – The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions and industry stakeholders will hold a press conference Monday, May 20, 2013 at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to continue engaging the traveling public in efforts to keep the passenger cabin free of knives that have been used as weapons. According to a recent Washington Post article “now the chatter is that the TSA may decide to put the new rules into effect over the Memorial Day weekend.”

Reports Indicate TSA to Permit Knives, Slow Security, over Memorial Day

Washington, DC – Flight Attendants will hold a press conference Thursday, May 16 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to continue to engage the traveling public in efforts to keep the aircraft cabin free of knives that have been used as weapons. According to a recent Washington Post article “now the chatter is that the TSA may decide to put the new rules into effect over the Memorial Day weekend.” TSA officers have expressed concern not only with the dangers of allowing knives in the security checkpoints and beyond, but also noted that these new procedures would slow security lines.