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For Immediate Release: October 1, 2012
Contact: Corey Caldwell 202-434-0586
AFA Flight Attendants First Through Known Crewmember Security
Check Points
7,000 US Airways Flight Attendants First to Gain Access to
Expedited Security Screening
Washington, DC – Starting today, US Airways Flight Attendants,
represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA),
are able to access the alternate, expedited security screening
program Known Crewmember (KCM) in 23 airports across the
country. The successful program was launched by the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2011, tested
thoroughly and today Flight Attendants begin to use the
risk-based security screening.
“As key partners in aviation security, Flight Attendants are
integral members of a security team charged with ensuring the
safety of air transportation. We are not only aviation’s first
responders, we also serve as its last line of defense in
security. Known Crewmember (KCM) recognizes our role and further
promotes security through the TSA’s risk-based security
initiatives. AFA has been a strong proponent of the program for
all crewmembers. We are thrilled that AFA members at US Airways
are the first Flight Attendants utilizing the successful KCM
program,” said Veda Shook, AFA International President.
AFA advocated forcefully at many levels of government and
industry to promote the KCM program with full recognition of
Flight Attendants’ role in aviation security. From one-on-one
meetings with high level Administration officials, to expert
testimony and congressional office visits, AFA Flight Attendants
helped build momentum and ultimately announced with TSA Flight
Attendant inclusion in the program.
KCM, developed by A4A and the Air Line Pilots Association, is an
expedited screening program for authorized and trusted
crewmembers at security screening checkpoints utilizing
established security clearances that each aviation employee must
meet as a condition of employment. Flight Attendants take part
in the same background checks as pilots and the clearance
process is identical.
The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest
Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant
issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight
Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for
Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in
the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight
Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working
conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants and retired members
come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong
Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at
www.afacwa.org and
www.rafa-cwa.org .
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