Union Says It Will Defend Jobs Through AA Bankruptcy Proceedings

Following AMR Corporations' announcement Tuesday that it will be filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, AFA-CWA president Veda Shook, which represents flight attendants working for subsidiary American Eagle, said the union would work to assure that its members will play an integral role in the reshaping and rebuilding the regional carrier.

"As details emerge regarding the restructuring of American Eagle and American Airlines, AFA is prepared to represent the best interests of the American Eagle Flight Attendants," Shook (pictured) said in a statement. "The AFA leadership at American Eagle is fully engaged in responding to the bankruptcy filing and, along with our financial and legal advisors, will monitor developments closely. We also are committed to working closely with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, coordinating efforts as we protect our Flight Attendant careers.

AFA represents over 1,500 Flight Attendants at American Eagle. "We are committed to protecting American Eagle Flight Attendants, ensuring the long-term success of the airline and working swiftly through the bankruptcy process with as little disruption as possible. Today's filing does not change pay, benefits or working conditions for Flight Attendants as their contract remains intact," she said. "Flight Attendants will continue our work as the safety professionals we are proud to be.  We will work closely with all of our fellow front-line workers and their unions throughout the bankruptcy.  As members of AFA, American Eagle Flight Attendants remain proud of the contributions they make daily to the airline.  Chapter 11 is not an excuse to lay failed business decisions on the backs of the hard-working Flight Attendants.  Pure and simple: Flight Attendants and other front-line workers are the airline's greatest asset and they should be recognized and respected as such.

Shook said the union has a great deal of experience in restructuring, and has been successful in preserving jobs and benefits for its members. "With AFA's legal and collective bargaining experience, American Eagle Flight Attendants have industry-leading resources at their disposal," she said.

FMI: www.afacwa.org