National Mediation Board Recognizes Merged Airline

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) welcomed Wednesday's National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for Flight Attendants at ExpressJet Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA). The ruling follows the merger of the two airlines and is necessary before union representation issues can be resolved and integration of the two pre-merger Flight Attendant groups can occur.

The NMB decision sets in motion a 14-day period during which the IAM will provide evidence of support for the NMB to call for a union representation election. The Board requires a “showing of interest” by at least 35 percent of the combined classification before an election will be scheduled. The NMB will set the time frame for an election after the IAM provides its showing of interest.

“We have been eagerly awaiting this decision,” said IAM-ExpressJet Flight Attendant Sara Gonzales. “ExpressJet Flight Attendants are excited to share the IAM’s negotiating skills and aggressive representation with Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants.” The IAM represents ExpressJet’s 1,223 Flight Attendants while 1,084 Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants are currently represented by the Communication Workers of America.

FMI: www.IAMOneUnionOneVoice.org