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Directory Of Current Media Releases

May 17, 2013
Flight Attendants Protest At Houston Airport Against Knives In The Passenger
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions and industry stakeholders will hold a press conference Monday, May 20, 2013 at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to continue engaging the traveling public in efforts to keep the passenger cabin free of knives that have been used as weapons. According to a recent Washington Post article “now the chatter is that the TSA may decide to put the new rules into effect over the Memorial Day weekend.”

May 15, 2013
Flight Attendants Protest At Charlotte Airport Against Knives In The Passenger Cabin
Flight Attendants will hold a press conference Thursday, May 16 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to continue to engage the traveling public in efforts to keep the aircraft cabin free of knives that have been used as weapons. According to a recent Washington Post article “now the chatter is that the TSA may decide to put the new rules into effect over the Memorial Day weekend.” TSA officers have expressed concern not only with the dangers of allowing knives in the security checkpoints and beyond, but also noted that these new procedures would slow security lines.

May 6, 2013
Organizations Representing 400,000 On The Front Lines Of U.S. Aviation Submit Legal Petition To TSA And Homeland Security To Keep All Knives Off Planes
Lawyers for nine organizations representing 400,000 aviation professionals, passengers and law enforcement officers today filed a legal petition with Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole and copied to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano seeking to rescind plans to allow knives in the aircraft cabins for the first time since 9/11.

May 1, 2013
Delta Connection Flight Attendants at Compass Airlines Ratify First Contract On Eve Of Carrier’s Sixth Anniversary
Six years after Compass Airlines began commercial operations, Compass Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), ratified their first contract today with an overwhelming 99 percent of those participating voting in favor of the five-year agreement. The agreement, reached with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, provides immediate economic improvements as well as enhanced job security and protections. The AFA negotiating committee was able to reach an agreement after intense support and solidarity from the nearly 450 Flight Attendants.

May 1, 2013
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants File For Mediation
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB).  Today is the one-year anniversary of the contract’s amendable date.

April 30, 2013
Strike Looms Closer At US Airways Express
The reality of a strike at US Airways Express carrier Piedmont Airlines appears to be drawing closer after continued stonewalling by management throughout contract negotiations. Piedmont Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), has been working to reach an agreement that is beneficial to crewmembers and to the airline. Meanwhile, management has presented unreasonable proposals and has frequently made regressive proposals in bargaining.

April 22, 2013
TSA Delays Knives On Planes – Flight Attendants Accept Temporary Reprieve For Aviation Security
In the face of a huge backlash from Flight Attendants, nearly every other stakeholder in aviation and the public, the Transportation Security Administration today postponed its plan to allow knives on US flights starting Thursday, April 25. But the 90,000-member Flight Attendants Union Coalition, which has opposed the TSA's ill- advised plan from the start, remains resolute: No Knives on Planes Ever Again.

April 19, 2013
Coalition Of Flight Attendant Unions Calls On Homeland Security Napolitano To Halt Weakening Of Aviation Security As The Country Battles Terrorist Activity
As terrorist activity puts the country on high alert, the Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 U.S. flight attendants nationwide, today called on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to immediately cancel a new policy that would allow airline passengers to bring knives aboard airline flights starting next Thursday, April 25.

April 16, 2013
9/11 Flight Attendant Alfred Marchand Widow And Mother Of Current Flight Attendant Tells TSA To "Think Of The Families"- Keep Knives Off Planes The Flight Attendants’ Union Coalition, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants at carriers across the country, released an open letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole from Rebecca Marchand, widow of Flight Attendant Alfred Marchand who was murdered by men with small knives on 9/11, United flight 175. She is also a mother of a current Flight Attendant.

April 15, 2013
Spirit Flight Attendants Stand Unified For Send-Off Event As Negotiators Prepare To Reach Contract
Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) will stage a “send-off party” at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for the AFA Negotiating Team. Dozens of Spirit Flight Attendants will assemble as Flight Attendant union representatives depart for contract negotiations with management April 16-18.

April 12, 2013
Flight Attendants Enlist Passengers In 'Knife Fight' At Miami International Airport
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, continues leafleting next week at Miami International Airport to directly enlist passengers in the fight to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin. Leaflets encourage passengers to visit www.NoKnivesOnPlanes.com and call their member of Congress to support legislation to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin.

April 11, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Submits Congressional Testimony On Dangers of Knives In-Flight
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today submitted official testimony for the House Transportation Security Subcommittee hearing on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) risk based security. Today’s hearing is meant to focus on a “stakeholder’s perspective.” However, the majority members of the committee have failed to include the Flight Attendant experience on the testimony panel. Nevertheless, in addition to submitting written testimony, Flight Attendants will be there in uniform to help keep the focus on the reckless policy change to allow knives back in the aircraft cabin.

April 3, 2013
Flight Attendants Request Seat At 'Stakeholder' Security Meeting
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing nearly 90,000 Flight Attendants, welcomed news from the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security of an upcoming hearing titled: “TSA’s Efforts to Advance Risk-Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.” The hearing is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 1:00pm.

April 2, 2013
Flight Attendants Enlist Passengers In 'Knife Fight' At Airports Nationwide
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, continues leafleting events this week at airports around the country to directly enlist passengers in the fight to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin.

April 1, 2013
Flight Attendants Enlist Passengers In 'Knife Fight' At Airports Nationwide
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, continues leafleting events this week at airports around the country to directly enlist passengers in the fight to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin.

April 1, 2013
Flight Attendants, Pilots, Air Marshals, Law Enforcement and Members of Congress Rally at LAX For No Knives On Planes
At the same time flight attendants across the country leaflet passengers to expand support for keeping knives off the plane, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) is hosting a rally and press conference on the issue today at Los Angeles International Airport.

April 1, 2013
NO JOKE: Flight Attendants Enlist Passengers In 'Knife Fight' At Airports Nationwide
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, continues a series of leafleting events at airports around the country to directly enlist passengers in the fight to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin. Leaflets encourage passengers to sign the petition to the White House at www.NoKnivesOnPlanes.com and to call their member of Congress to support the No Knives Act of 2013, introduced by Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY).

March 29, 2013
Family Of 9/11 Flight Attendant Sara Low Shocked Over TSA Policy Allowing Knives On Planes
The Flight Attendants’ Union Coalition, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants at carriers across the country, has released an open letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole from one of the 9/11 Crewmembers’ families. Mike Low, father of Sara Low who was instrumental in providing information to the authorities as her flight was hijacked and ultimately flown into the World Trade Center, is speaking out against the proposed policy change by Pistole.

March 29, 2013
Delta Connection Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement For First Contract
Compass Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA), reached a tentative agreement for a first contract late last night with the assistance of the National Mediation Board. The agreement would provide double-digit pay increases on date of ratification along with an increased 401k match, schedule flexibility and a grievance procedure among other improvements. All things considered, the AFA Negotiating Committee and elected leaders are sending the agreement out for ratification with a unanimous endorsement.

March 27, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Reaffirms Support For Marriage Equality
As the United States Supreme Court began hearings on marriage equality, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement of support for equal rights:

“For over 60 years, AFA has had a longstanding commitment to equality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Today, we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers across the country in the struggle for marriage equality.

March 26, 2013
AFA Coordinates Support And Resources For Flight Attendants Affected By Pinnacle Base Closure In Atlanta
When Pinnacle Airlines announced the closure of the Atlanta domicile, 180 Pinnacle Flight Attendants were affected. Understanding that many questions remain, the Association of Flight Attendants- CWA (AFA), the union for Pinnacle Flight Attendants, is coordinating with state agencies to provide local assistance to crewmembers. On March 27 and 28, AFA will hold meetings to provide an opportunity for Flight Attendants to connect with local services.

March 22, 2013
Flight Attendants Applaud Bi-Partisan Budget Amendment To Keep Knives Out Of Aircraft Cabin
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, is marshaling support for an amendment to the budget resolution submitted by U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) that would prohibit the Transportation Security Administration from allowing airline passengers to carry small knives onto airplanes.

March 22, 2013
Flight Attendants Gather Overwhelming Congressional Support In No-Knife Fight
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, applauds Congressmen Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Michael Grimm (R-NY) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) for taking the lead by authoring a letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole about the abrupt policy change allowing dangerous items in the aircraft cabin. The letter expresses serious concerns about the process used to determine a policy change “without any formal engagement with stakeholders impacted by this policy, including our frontline workers aboard flights, the crewmembers.”

March 20, 2013
Coalition Of Flight Attendant Unions Enlists Airline Passengers In No Knife Fight
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, will tomorrow begin a series of leafleting events at airports around the country to directly enlist passengers in the fight to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin.  Leaflets encourage passengers to sign the petition to the White House at www.NoKnivesOnPlanes.com and call members of Congress to support legislation to overturn TSA Administrator Pistole’s abrupt policy change.

March 19, 2013
Betty Ann Ong Foundation Opposes TSA Policy Change
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions honors our Flight Attendant heroes from 9/11. Thirty-three Flight Attendants were killed aboard the four hijacked flights: American Flight 11, United Flight 175, American Flight 77 and United Flight 93. Flight Attendants from each of the flights relayed critical information with the earliest pieces of intelligence from that day. The first of those calls was from Betty Ann Ong, a Flight Attendant aboard American Airlines Flight 11.

March 7, 2013
Flight Attendants Union Coalition Launches Nationwide Opposition To Knives In Cabin
The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, representing nearly 90,000 Flight Attendants at carriers across the country, is coordinating a nationwide legislative and public campaign to reverse yesterday’s announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that effective April 25, knives would be allowed in the aircraft cabin for the first time since 9/11. The Coalition will utilize a series of tactics to apply pressure, starting with a petition to the White House.

March 5, 2013
Flight Attendants Union Coalition Blasts TSA Decision to Allow Dangerous Items onto Aircraft
The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, representing nearly 90,000 Flight Attendants at carriers nationwide, issued the following statement blasting today’s announcement by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow knives and other dangerous objects into the aircraft cabin, relaxing an over decade long ban.

February 28, 2013
US Airways Flight Attendants Ratify Contract
US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today ratified a single contract with double-digit pay increases, industry-leading job protections and work rules, and a seat at the table as full partners in the merger with American Airlines. The contract, reached with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, sets the stage for additional improvements, uniting both groups under one agreement and positioning Flight Attendants for future improvements.

February 27, 2013
Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify Contract Improvements
Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today ratified new contract terms to provide for work on the 16 new Airbus A321neo aircraft on order at the airline.

February 26, 2013
US Airways Flight Attendants Show Support At Merger Hearing
US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), attended a hearing today before the United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on the merger between US Airways and American Airlines. Flight Attendants in uniform made their position known to lawmakers that front line workers support the merger as full partners.

February 14, 2013
Flight Attendant Union: US Airways/American Airlines Merger Must Recognize Contributions Of All Flight Attendants
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) represents nearly 10,000 Flight Attendants at US Airways and wholly owned subsidiaries Piedmont and PSA, as well as AMR wholly owned subsidiary American Eagle. As these airlines combine to become the world’s largest, Flight Attendants stand in unity for recognition of their contributions to the success of US Airways and American Airlines:

February 12, 2013
Flight Attendants to Hyatt: We back global boycott
On Tuesday, over 100 leaders from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) rallied in front of Hyatt headquarters in Chicago and delivered a letter to corporate leaders at Hyatt supporting the Hyatt boycott and demanding safer working conditions for hotel employees. Flight Attendants found an easy partnership with hotel workers in their fight for worker justice as both sectors are part of the travel industry.

February 11, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Strengthens Partnership With Department of Transportation To Fight Human Trafficking
Addressing the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) annual Board of Directors convention, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood commended AFA for its collective dedication to combating human trafficking. Secretary LaHood emphasized the importance of proper training for Flight Attendants in order to identify possible victims and report potential trafficking to the authorities. AFA is among the network of partners working together with DOT and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to educate frontline transportation workers on how to help stop human trafficking. 

February 8, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Files Objection To AMR Outsourcing of American Eagle Flights
Flight Attendants at American Eagle, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), filed a motion yesterday with the Southern District Bankruptcy Court of New York objecting to the recent announcement that AMR Corporation will begin outsourcing American Airlines regional flying to a non-AMR-owned carrier.

February 7, 2013
US Airways Flight Attendants Begin Vote On Contract and Path Forward In Merger
Starting today, US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will begin voting on a tentative agreement including economic improvements, industry-leading job protections and an opportunity for negotiating additional improvements following announcement of the pending merger with American Airlines. Ballots will be counted on Thursday, February 28.

February 6, 2013
Flight Attendant Union and DOL Acting Secretary To Outline FMLA Airline Flight Crew Technical Correction
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) will participate in a media event this afternoon with acting Secretary of Labor Seth Harris to discuss the implementation of a technical correction to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that grants Flight Attendants and flight crewmembers the same legal protections under FMLA as employees from other industries.

February 5, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Honors Life And Legacy Of Founding Member Edith Lauterbach
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement today after the passing of AFA’s last remaining founding member, Edith Edna Lauterbach:

“Today, the Flight Attendant community lost our hero, our guiding light - Edith Lauterbach. As our heavy hearts remember our friend and trailblazing founder, we reflect on Edith’s contributions to our profession and our union each and everyday.

February 5, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Celebrates DOL Completion Of FMLA Rule For Airline Crews
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today praised the Department of Labor for implementing the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). On the twentieth anniversary of FMLA, the DOL provided the guidance needed to establish eligibility requirements specifically for Flight Attendants and airline flight crewmembers.

February 4, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Commemorates 20th Anniversary of FMLA
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement recognizing tomorrow’s 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking, family-friendly legislation, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA:

“For over 20 years, FMLA has helped millions of workers care for themselves and their loved ones without jeopardizing their jobs or their families’ economic security. This law guarantees the freedom of working people to perform one of our fundamental functions as human beings -- caring for the people we love.

February 1, 2013
Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement On New Aircraft Contract Terms
Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) reached a tentative agreement with management this week on contract terms that would extend to 16 new Airbus A321neo aircraft on order. Details of the agreement are currently being sent to the over 1,400 Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants with voting scheduled for February 8 through February 27.

February 1, 2013
Flight Attendant Renews Pledge To Combat Human Trafficking In Recognition Of National Freedom Day
Marking the culmination of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) reaffirmed its commitment to work toward ending human trafficking. Since 1942, February 1 has been commemorated as National Freedom Day, the day when President Lincoln signed the 13th amendment to end slavery.

January 30, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Commends Transportation Secretary LaHood For Contributions To Aviation During Tenure
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement praising the work of Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood after the announcement of his resignation: “Proving his commitment to advancing the U.S. aviation industry, shortly after taking office, Secretary LaHood formed a committee aimed at providing advice and recommendations on how to best address the evolving transportation needs, the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC).

January 25, 2013
AFA Blasts AMR Outsourcing Regional Flying, Defends Work of American Eagle Flight Attendants
Flight Attendants at American Eagle, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), responded to the recent announcement that AMR Corporation will begin outsourcing American Airlines regional flying to a non AMR-owned carrier.

January 24, 2013
US Airways Flight Attendants To Vote On Single Contract
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today reached a tentative agreement with US Airways management for a contract covering all US Airways mainline Flight Attendants. The tentative agreement, reached under the supervision of the National Mediation Board (NMB), would allow for immediate economic improvements and provide all US Airways Flight Attendants with the strongest position possible for any discussions related to the next merger. AFA was steadfast that any agreement recognize the contributions of US Airways Flight Attendants and provide the opportunity to work as partners in a potential merger.

January 18, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Recognizes Alaska Airlines Flight 819 Crewmembers' Professionalism
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) recognizes the professionalism of the Flight Attendants on Alaska Airlines flight 819 after being alerted to a suspicious person on board as fighter jets escorted the aircraft safely to Seattle.

January 18, 2013
US Airways Express Flight Attendants To Picket For Fair Contract
Piedmont Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will be picketing and leafleting on Tuesday, January 22, to inform US Airways Express passengers that management’s failure to negotiate a new contract could result in a strike at the airline.

January 17, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Helps To Shape Future Use Of Portable Electronic Devices On Aircraft
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) joined government and industry experts this week to discuss the future of in-flight use of portable electronic devices. The committee, organized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been tasked with evaluating regulations, policies and procedures that attempt to manage the safe use of portable electronic devices during flight.

January 14, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Celebrates Professionalism On The Hudson Four Years Later
Four years after US Airways Flight Attendants Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, and Doreen Welsh safely evacuated 150 passengers from flight 1549 as the plane sank into the Hudson River, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) celebrates the professionalism they displayed on January 15, 2009.

January 11, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Sues Spirit Airlines For Health Care Discrimination
Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) filed a lawsuit against airline management for forcing Flight Attendants who wish to provide health insurance for their domestic partners into a lesser quality plan. The lawsuit accuses management of exploiting procedural loopholes to avoid their obligation of providing equal benefits to Flight Attendants.

January 10, 2013
Flight Attendant Union Commends Secretary Solis' Service To Working Families
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) applauds Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis’ dedication to improving the lives of Flight Attendants and working families.

January 7, 2013
Flight Attendants Stand In Support Of Marriage Equality At Boeing
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued a statement today in support of members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001 at The Boeing Company in their struggle for equal rights.