Union Looks For Opportunities After Regional Carrier Becomes Its Own Entity

In preparation for the carrier's potential divestment later this year, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) is looking for ways to secure job protections and identify advantages for American Eagle Flight Attendants. Since the initial speculation of a spin-off, American Eagle Flight Attendants, represented by AFA, have been working with industry and economic experts in an effort to ensure that the nearly 2,000 Flight Attendants are "recognized for their contributions to the carrier and are best positioned to take advantage of opportunities available after a divestiture of the airline."

"The world's largest Flight Attendant union proudly stands with our American Eagle flying partners. We will continue to provide the union's full resources and the solidarity of 60,000 Flight Attendants to ensure good jobs and a solid future for our sisters and brothers at American Eagle," said Veda Shook, AFA International President. "American Eagle Flight Attendants' contributions over the past three decades have been vital to the continued success of the carrier and management must recognize that those contributions have created opportunities for the airline's future."

In late July, AMR Corp., the parent company of American Eagle, announced the intention to create a separate company for American Eagle. A formal decision from AMR's Board of Directors will be announced November 2011.

"AFA has been actively working with management on exploring a preferential hiring agreement with American Airlines," said Robert Barrow, AFA American Eagle MEC President. "It is crucial that we move forward and ensure that America Eagle Flight Attendants are recognized for the distinguished professionalism that has created this successful carrier."

FMI: www.afacwa.org