Association of Flight Attendants

Association of Flight Attendants. The Association of Flight Attendants is a labor union representing flight attendants across the United States and Canada. It is an autonomous division within the larger Communications Workers of America and is affiliated with the AFL–CIO. The union is dedicated to securing improved wages, workplace safety, and contractual rights for its members through collective bargaining and political advocacy.

History

The union traces its origins to the Steward and Stewardess Division of the Air Line Pilots Association, formed in 1945. A pivotal moment occurred in 1973 when flight attendants, led by figures like Patricia Friend, voted for independence, creating a separate union. This period coincided with significant industry changes, including the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, which intensified labor negotiations. Key early victories included the elimination of discriminatory policies like marriage bans and age limits. The union later affiliated with the Communications Workers of America in 2004 to strengthen its resources and bargaining power, navigating challenges such as the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the Great Recession.

Organization and governance

The union operates as an autonomous council within the Communications Workers of America, with its own constitution and elected leadership. Its governance is structured around an international president, an executive board, and local council presidents representing members at specific carriers like United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Major policy decisions are made at the regular Board of Directors meetings and the biennial Convention, where delegates from across the membership convene. This structure allows for coordinated national strategy while addressing the specific needs of flight attendants at different companies, ensuring representation in negotiations with entities like the National Mediation Board.

Activities and campaigns

Core activities center on negotiating and enforcing collective bargaining agreements with major airlines such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The union runs extensive safety campaigns, advocating for regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration on issues like air rage and fatigue risk management. It has been instrumental in securing federal mandates for minimum rest periods and training for handling human trafficking. Notable industrial actions include the 1993 strike against Alaska Airlines and coordinated CHAOS (Create Havoc Around Our System) strike tactics. The union also provides professional development resources and support services for members facing issues like furlough or bankruptcy proceedings.

Political involvement

The union maintains a robust political and legislative agenda, operating a Political Action Committee to support candidates who advocate for aviation labor issues. It lobbies Congress and federal agencies like the Department of Transportation on matters including aviation security, pension protection, and foreign ownership rules. The union played a key role in the passage of the Flight Attendant Certification Act of 2018 and has been a persistent voice for banning knives on aircraft since the September 11 attacks. It frequently testifies before committees like the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and collaborates with allies in the AFL–CIO to influence national labor policy.

Leadership and membership

The international president, a position held by leaders such as Sara Nelson, serves as the union's primary spokesperson and strategic director. Membership, approximately 50,000 strong, includes flight attendants from over twenty airlines, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Omni Air International. Members elect their local council officers and international leaders through democratic processes. The union represents a diverse workforce and focuses on issues of equality and non-discrimination, historically fighting against policies based on gender, marital status, or age. It engages members through regular communications, training seminars, and mobilization for actions ranging from picketing to lobbying visits on Capitol Hill.

Category:Trade unions in the United States Category:Aviation organizations based in the United States Category:1945 establishments in the United States