Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Washington, DC, November 21, 2012 – As the holiday travel season kicks off with an estimated 24 million passengers traveling by air this year, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the world’s largest Flight Attendant union, offered important tips on making air travel as safe as possible.

“As first responders in the aircraft cabin, a Flight Attendants primary responsibility is to protect the safety and security of our passengers. Through comprehensive training, extensive experience, and annual FAA re-certification standards, Flight Attendants are professionals who ensure passengers arrive at their destination safely and securely,” said AFA International President Veda Shook.

Washington, DC – US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today voted 94 percent for strike authorization. Flight Attendants are calling on management to finish the US Airways/America West merger with a single contract for all US Airways Flight Attendants. Today AFA members made clear what they are willing to do to push management to negotiate a contract that can be ratified.

Washington, DC – Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), held informational picketing today and will continue to protest each day through Wednesday at airports across the country as an estimated 24 million passengers take to the skies during the busy Thanksgiving travel week.

America West / US Airways Merger Incomplete without Contract for Flight Attendants

Washington, DC – US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today held protests at four airports across the country after management failed to negotiate a single contract for the over 6,700 Flight Attendants. The America West/US Airways merger of 2005 remains incomplete and Flight Attendants are still working under separate contracts, in separate operations.

Failure of US Airways Management to Negotiate New Contract Draws Nationwide Protest

Washington, DC – US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will march on informational picket lines at four airports across the country on Wednesday, November 14. Management has failed to negotiate an acceptable single contract, which means the US Airways/America West merger of 2005 remains incomplete. The 6,700 Flight Attendants are fed up and currently taking a strike vote to demonstrate what they are willing to do to achieve a contract that can be ratified.

Union Demands Recall of Uniforms and Files Grievance Alleging Management's Failure to Provide a Safe and Healthy Work Place

Washington, DC – More than 400 Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have reported significant health issues while or after wearing uniforms issued by management. Most reports describe skin symptoms – rash, hives, redness, or itching – while a growing number indicate abnormal thyroid functions, hair loss, eye irritation/inflammation, fatigue, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, and asthma.

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today issued the following statement after the re-election of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden:

“As the world’s largest Flight Attendant union, our focus remains on improving the future of our profession. Under President Obama’s first four years in office, we made great strides and secured many improvements for the tens of thousands of Flight Attendants across the country.

Washington, DC – Pinnacle Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today ratified a six-year agreement that preserves wages, protects affordable health care and provides job security for over 1,500 Flight Attendants. The agreement includes $6.4 million in concessions demanded by management through the Chapter 11 restructuring process.  The agreement was reached with the assistance of the National Mediation Board.

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) applauded today’s decision by the National Mediation Board (NMB) to schedule a union election for the 9,700 passenger service agents at American Airlines. For months, airline management has been stalling an election for representation by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) through a series of legal maneuvers.

Washington, DC - Over 25,000 Flight Attendants at the new United Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today began use of the alternate, expedited security screening program, Known Crewmember (KCM). 

"The inclusion of Flight Attendants into Known Crewmember at the world's largest carrier sets the stage for the rest of the industry. AFA was able to work alongside management to ensure that all pre-merger United, Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants have access to the efficient checkpoint screening program," said Greg Davidowitch, AFA pre-merger United President and Marcus Valentino, AFA pre-merger Continental President. "We hope that more airlines across the country will follow United's lead and participate in the enhanced screening that provides great benefit for crewmembers and passengers alike."