AFA-CWA: We're in This Together

At the union's annual board of directors meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., AFA-CWA leaders from across the union protested in solidarity with Mesa Airlines Flight Attendants who are bargaining for a fair contract, and reviewed AFA-CWA's accomplishments in uniting all Flight Attendants under the "Stronger Together, Better Together" banner and building public awareness of their critical role as aviation's first responders.

At the protest outside Mesa Airlines headquarters, AFA-CWA International President Sara Nelson said, "Flight Attendants have worked for far too long under bankruptcy pay and work rules. With 10-20% lower pay than other regional airline crews working flights for the American and United brands, Mesa Flight Attendants often must choose between paying utility bills or buying food. The Flight Attendants took a 99.56% strike vote to back up their bargaining demands. We will turn up the heat until Mesa management agrees to a fair contract!"

AFA-CWA leaders discussed ongoing legislative initiatives including:

• Requirement of a ten-hour minimum rest period and a Fatigue Risk Management Plan, giving Flight Attendants parity with the flight deck.
• Opposition to the "flag of convenience" model for aviation that carriers use to evade good labor standards and protections.
• Securing the cabin as first responders, and addressing threats including onboard cellular voice communications, knives and dangerous weapons on aircraft, cabin air quality, and more.

CWA President Chris Shelton addressed the board and tied tough bargaining at Mesa and other airlines to "Wall Street greed, pure and simple. Mesa Airlines operates flights for very profitable American and United Airlines, but it pays Flight Attendants substandard wages – as much as 20 percent less. We know the 1,000 Mesa Flight Attendants will get the good contract they deserve, but it's some of the toughest bargaining around."

He also called out Wall Street's push for regulatory approval that allows government-controlled carriers like Emirates Airline and other Gulf carriers to undercut Flight Attendant compensation, disregard worker rights, and attack good airline jobs.

AFA-CWA leaders from across the union gathered in Phoenix, Az. to discuss ongoing legislative initiatives and to protest in solidarity with Mesa Airlines Flight Attendants who are bargaining for a fair contract.