AFA Elected To Represent Nearly 25,000 Flight Attendants
Flight Attendants from United, Continental and Continental
Micronesia airlines on Wednesday elected the Association of Flight
Attendants-CWA (AFA) to be their union at the new United. The
merger brings new opportunities and the conclusion of this election
sets the stage for Flight Attendants to unify and become full
participants in the benefits of the merger.
"United Airlines Flight Attendants built our profession starting
with the first union contract 65 years ago and they will once again
lead the industry," said Veda Shook, AFA International President
."This election is an historic moment for AFA and our profession.
As we welcome our colleagues from Continental and Continental
Micronesia, our combined strength is greater than ever and we are
poised to make significant strides for Flight Attendants and their
families."
"United Flight Attendants are energized and ready for our
future," stated Greg Davidowitch, AFA president at United Airlines
."We will negotiate for the priorities set by today's Flight
Attendant as we maximize our leverage to set the highest standards
at the world's leading airline .Flight Attendants are dedicated to
ensuring a successful merger and fully participating in its
benefits."
"Our profession is unique and I am proud to become a member of
the union that is responsible for shaping the career I love," said
Frank Brown, Continental Flight Attendant. "From this moment
forward, we are no longer Flight Attendants from different unions,
we are Flight Attendants in AFA, the Flight Attendant's union
.There is no limit to what we can accomplish by standing
together."
AFA was elected with 55.1% of the vote .While waiting for the
election results to be certified by the NMB, AFA has initiated
transition plans for representing Continental and Continental
Micronesia Flight Attendants .A temporary representation structure
for Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants will
be put in place as AFA immediately initiates the process for
membership election of union officers.
"All of us in CWA are proud of the work done by thousands of
Flight Attendant mobilizers and other CWA sisters and brothers who
worked tirelessly to build unity at this difficult and critical
time," said Larry Cohen, Communications Workers of America (CWA)
President. "Now we must focus on collective bargaining and helping
Flight Attendants fight for a contract that moves toward restoring
the living standards that were ripped away in bankruptcy .United is
strong, and Flight Attendants and other workers need to share in
that success."
"This election showcased how Flight Attendants maintain and
advance our profession through activism in our union." stated Sara
Nelson, AFA International Vice President. "It is an exciting day as
we welcome Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants
and look forward to the extraordinary contributions they are bound
to make. Together we are the strong voice for our profession."