CWA Passenger Service Agents Soar Into Bargaining

CWA members at Envoy Airlines kicked off negotiations for a new contract last month with their bargaining committee presenting several proposals to management.

CWA represents over 6,000 passenger service and ramp agents at Envoy Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines. Members are fighting for a strong contract that secures fair wages and healthcare benefits for part-time workers.

At Piedmont Airlines, after months of delays due to the federal government shutdown, CWA members are set to begin federal mediation with the company. Under the Railway Labor Act, which governs labor relations in the airline and railroad industries, mediation is a required step when negotiations between the union and the company are deadlocked over wages. This means members are not permitted to strike unless the National Mediation Board declares an impasse and formally releases both parties from mediation—a process that can take time. While the government shutdown delayed previously scheduled federal mediation dates, mediation is now scheduled for January 27-28 in Washington, D.C.

CWA remains committed to securing a fair contract at Piedmont Airlines. Agents and supporters have sent over 2,500 letters to Piedmont Airlines CEO Eric Morgan demanding the company bargain in good faith. It’s not too late to send your own message. On the congressional level, CWA worked with North Carolina Rep. Alma Adams on a bipartisan letter to Piedmont Airlines. The letter, in support of a fair contract for our members, has been signed by 81 members of Congress.