Sets Strong Position For Flight Attendants In Merger With American Airlines

US Airways flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have ratified a single contract with double-digit pay increases, industry-leading job protections and work rules, and a seat at the table as full partners in the merger with American Airlines. The contract, reached with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, sets the stage for additional improvements, uniting both groups under one agreement and positioning flight attendants for future improvements. With an overwhelming number of flight attendants participating, the contract was ratified by 80 percent.

"Today, we move forward as one. US Airways flight attendants stood strong and secured strong economic improvements and job protections. Together, we are well positioned to advance as key partners in the merger with American Airlines and will continue our work to further improve wages, benefits and work rules for all flight attendants at the new American," said AFA US Airways Presidents Roger Holmin and Deborah Volpe.

The contract requires four-party discussions with management from American and US Airways, along with American Airlines' flight attendant representative, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). These discussions will develop a framework for integrating the two flight attendant groups, including contracts – and protections that would apply until integration takes place.

"Through determination and perseverance, US Airways flight attendants are well positioned for negotiating additional improvements in the upcoming merger. We are ready to work with our flying partners at American Airlines to raise the bar for our profession and collaborate on issues that matter to flight attendants. As full partners in the process, US Airways flight attendants will play a key role in creating the world's largest airline. AFA's extensive merger experience will help ensure that US Airways flight attendants retain a strong voice through this process and all flight attendants will benefit through unity," Holmin and Volpe said.

FMI: www.ourafa.org