Move Would Create The World's Largest Flight Attendant
Union
The National Mediation Board (NMB) has granted the Association
of Flight Attendants-CWA's (AFA) request to declare that the
United/Continental merger has created a single transportation
system for the purposes of Flight Attendant representation. Over
24,000 Flight Attendants will soon vote for Flight Attendant union
representation at the combined airline.
"Today (Friday) is a watershed moment in our union and an
exciting day for the thousands of Flight Attendants at the 'new'
United Airlines who are ready to advance our careers with AFA
representation. AFA sought this election because we want to unite
Flight Attendants as quickly as possible in order to take maximum
advantage of the leverage we have from the merger," said Veda
Shook, AFA International President.
"This sets the stage for real gains for our profession," stated
Greg Davidowitch, president of AFA at United Airlines. "The
benefits of membership in our Flight Attendant union are
extraordinary. Sixty-six years ago United Flight Attendants
negotiated the first Flight Attendant contract and through our
union we have built the Flight Attendant career. The expertise of
our union has resulted in contracts and daily representation that
reflect the entire work, and home, life of a Flight Attendant. The
total package produces more money for United Flight Attendants. And
now, all Flight Attendants will stand together for improvements
across the board."
The representation election is not a vote for one contract or
the other. Both contracts remain in effect after the election. The
merger provides the opportunity to negotiate a new agreement with
improvements that work for Flight Attendants from both airlines.
AFA negotiates based on the priorities set by Flight Attendants
through surveys, meetings and direct member feedback to elected
Flight Attendant leaders.
"AFA is the leading voice for Flight Attendants on Capitol Hill,
with government agencies, at the bargaining table and on safety and
security in the cabin," Shook concluded. "This election is about
seniority protection, job security, a strong contract and, above
all, which union can best represent the Flight Attendants of the
new United Airlines. AFA is that union."
On January 18, AFA asked the NMB to declare that the merger of
United and Continental has created a single carrier for issues of
representation. Together, the approximately 15,000 United, 9,300
Continental and 270 Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants will
elect a single union to represent their professional interests as
the official collective bargaining representative in their newly
merged airline. A voting schedule is yet to be announced.
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