April 25, 2002
Contact:  Dawn Deeks 202/712-9799 ext. 804
 
 
Flight Attendants Fight for Aviation Security Improvements as Tribute to Those Killed on 9/11

Flight Attendant Leaders Speaking at Workers’ Memorial Day Events

BOSTON – Flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, AFL-CIO, have vowed to continue the fight for improved aviation security in memory of the 25 flight attendants who were killed in the line of duty during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“The airlines and the government have made a lot of promises, but security today isn’t much different from what it was on September 10,” said AFA International President Patricia Friend. “The changes are coming, but we will not allow any corners to be cut. We owe it to the memory of the flight attendants lost, and we owe it to the 100,000 U.S.-based flight attendants who are still working in an environment that has not been made as secure as it could be.”

Flight attendants nationwide have been fighting for improved training and security in the airports and on-board the aircraft. But loopholes in security—including an open “back door” where many airport workers are allowed to enter secure areas without being screened—continue to plague our aviation system.

Flight attendants will be participating in Workers’ Memorial Day events across the country during the week of April 22. Local AFA leaders will be discussing aviation security and the memory of those flight attendants we have lost at the following events:

Springfield, Ill.—Solidarity Rally, Wednesday, April 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Illinois State Capitol

Philadelphia—Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. at the Sheetmetal Workers Hall and Penn’s Landing

Boston—Friday, April 26, Noon to 1:15 p.m. at James Sartori memorial stadium

Phoenix—Monday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza 1700 West Washington Street

Over 50,000 flight attendants at 26 carriers join together to form AFA, the world's largest flight attendant union.  For more information visit us @ www.afanet.org.

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