U.S. Presidential Election 2016
September 28, 2016 - Dear Flying Partners,
The next President of the United States will make important decisions that could reshape the face of aviation and labor rights. The President also appoints and directs the work of the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, National Mediation Board and Department of State. The President will also appoint Supreme Court Justices and the Court has often determined labor rights and issues of equality that directly affect AFA members.
Our AFA-CWA Legislative Policy Committee, comprised of AFA-CWA Flight Attendant activists from several airlines, wrote to each of your Local Council Presidents recently on the importance of this election and endorsement of the candidate who best supports our collective efforts. They stated:
"We work in one of the most heavily regulated industries and with the stroke of a pen, the U.S. President can create havoc within our industry and cause irreparable damage to our careers and to the airlines where we work.
"As Union members, we have an obligation to get involved and to create the best environment to promote our profession. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines and hope for the best... We have experience with Hillary Clinton as a champion for Flight Attendants, especially as the leading voice for the technical correction to FMLA and the relentless advocate for 9/11 first responders."
Donald Trump does not support workers, he opposes raising the minimum wage, supports "right-to-work," has a history of outsourcing and refuses to recognize union elections at Trump Hotels. Trump is expected to appoint friends like Carl Icahn to serve in his Administration, the corporate raider who destroyed TWA. Trump is an outspoken advocate for using bankruptcy as a business tool. That's not funny to Flight Attendants who had our pensions stolen, our contracts slashed and our families hurt by this "business tool."
Secretary Hillary Clinton's fight, long and historic, has opened the door for women to overcome discrimination, sexism and become equal partners in shaping our future. Hillary Clinton stood with AFA and CWA members in bargaining fights and pledges her continued commitment to making life better for working families. She has a solid record on defending bargaining rights and the right to organize; promoting family and medical leave; closing tax loopholes that benefit the one percent at the expense of our jobs and our communities; securing health care and retirement benefits; and calling for equal pay legislation.
The AFA-CWA Board of Directors has voted to endorse the election of Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States. For decades, our union has actively engaged and encouraged Flight Attendants to build a political movement that transcends party lines - our political endorsements relate to Flight Attendant issues and our labor rights. Recognizing that no politician will ever do our work for us, we need to elect candidates who provide the best conditions for AFA-CWA to continue to press forward on the issues that matter to Flight Attendants, our families and the communities where we live and work. We do not tell anyone how to vote, but we encourage every member to exercise your right to vote and provide information about how the candidates and their platforms affect the issues important for our careers.
We will be working hard to turn out the Flight Attendant vote between now and November 8th, so that we can have the best conditions for moving our issues forward on November 9th. Please join me for weekend labor walks - knocking on doors to turn out the vote - in St. Louis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Charlotte or find an AFL-CIO labor walk near you. The details are included in this e-newsletter below, or at AFACWA.org/vote.
Make plans now to ensure your vote is cast in the U.S. General election. Not only does the outcome of elections have an incredible impact on our federally regulated jobs, our clout to address Flight Attendant issues increases when Congressional offices and federal agencies simply know that AFA members take the time to vote. Confirm you are registered to vote. Vote early, vote absentee or make the time to go to the polls November 8th. Our vote is our power and our voice.
We are Stronger Together, Better Together.
In Solidarity,
Sara Nelson
AFA International President
AFA in Action
AFA Members and staff all over the country will be working to engage voters and get them to the polls to elect candidates, who have a history of fighting for working people and will continue to do so once they’re elected.
Join AFA International President Sara Nelson at the following labor walks or use this link to find an event near you: Join an event near you >
Northern Virginia, October 8
NoVA Labor Offices
4536 John Marr Drive,
Annandale, VA 22003
9:00 AM
St. Louis, October 15
SEIU Local 200
5585 Pershing Ave,
St. Louis, MO 63112
10:00 AM
Phoenix, October 23 - UPDATED TIME AND LOCATION
Grand Park
701 S. 3rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Charlotte, November 5
IBEW 379 Hall
1900 Cross Beam Drive
Charlotte, NC 28217
10:00 AM
