Group Among Those Advocating For Aviation Labor Standards

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) on Wednesday met with a broad labor coalition and government representatives from Norway to discuss the detrimental effects Norwegian Air International's attempt to bypass international labor laws will have on aviation workers around the world.

AFA is part of a delegation comprised of union representatives that traveled to Norway in response to what the delegation said are questionable hiring practices on the part of Norwegian Air International.

"Today we joined our aviation colleagues and industry leaders to discuss strategies and alternatives that would ensure Norwegian does not erode labor laws or the careers of U.S. flight attendants as they work to expand their business," AFA said in a statement released following the meeting.

"History has shown that when companies find a way to take advantage of loopholes that assist in evading strong labor provisions, a global race to the bottom begins, leaving behind workers and communities. For nearly 70 years, AFA has been dedicated to protecting the flight attendant career, standing against any attempt to create a position that has little room for advancement and no job security. We are concerned that Norwegian's announcement to hire U.S.-based flight attendants to staff international flights undercuts labor laws, paying outsourced workers a fraction of what Norwegian flight attendants earn.

"For decades, AFA has worked closely with our counterparts across the world for global labor standards that protect careers and enhance aviation growth. While we are dedicated to creating opportunities that expand business, it is imperative that airlines work collaboratively with unions and workers so that everyone is able to share in the success.

"AFA remains dedicated to our long-standing mission of uniting all flight attendants, regardless of carrier. We stand in unity with our counterparts at Norwegian in their fight to retain good jobs. Norwegian's attempt to outsource flight attendant positions, not only bypasses Norway's labor laws that protect workers, but it erodes careers of U.S. flight attendants who have worked for nearly seven decades to build an enduring career.

"In our global aviation environment, it is imperative that we all work together to ensure that workers are treated fairly and are recognized for the role they have in their airline's success."

FMI: www.afacwa.org