The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement today by AFA US Airways President Roger Holmin as US Airways grew into the world’s largest airline through its merger with American Airlines.
“Today, we ring the bell to honor our past and celebrate our future. Our history was made by little airlines that could – and did. US Airways Flight Attendants have spent entire careers building unity. And today, we stand up for the opportunities that come with building the world’s largest airline.
“We proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our new American flying partners and we cheer the end of the American bankruptcy. All Flight Attendants and frontline workers at the New American know what it is to sacrifice. There is no doubt it is our turn to experience the benefits of our success.
“Since the announcement of this merger we have met every challenge through unity. We expect to continue as full partners in this merger, in terms of what we bring to its success and the equal share of benefits we receive in recognition of our efforts.
“Completing the financial transaction is a moment of hope and celebration. We congratulate Doug Parker and every employee of our two airlines. And, we encourage management to lead an airline where the front line workers are proud of where we work and who we work with at every level of the airline. That will set us apart and catapult us well above the rest of the industry – only the best for the world’s biggest!
“Flight Attendants are ready. We have done our part and we will redouble our efforts going forward. Our experience shows nearly anything can be done when we stand together.”
The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 68 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. US Airways Flight Attendants are 8,500 of the nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants who come together to form AFA, in partnership with the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.ouramerican.org.