NMB Brings 'Majority Vote' Rule to Airline Union Elections

The National Mediation Board issued a new rule for union representation elections in the airline and railroad industries that finally adopts the majority determination rule that is the standard for elections in the United States.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and all of CWA made the fight for fairer elections for airline workers a top priority. "Our elected officials, from the President of the United States, to mayors and other representatives in our communities, attain office by winning majority support of the votes being cast," said AFA-CWA International President Pat Friend. "That's the way U.S. elections are conducted, and AFA-CWA commends the NMB for restoring the majority rule standard for airline workers."

The previous rule gave management enormous opportunities to stack the deck, because workers who didn't vote were counted as no votes. Airlines also have resorted to intimidation and other tactics to suppress voter turnout by making workers fearful of voting.

The NMB said that its rule change, first issued for public comment last November, was necessary "to provide a more reliable indicator of employee sentiment in representational issues." The wishes of those who take the time and trouble to cast ballots should not be superseded by those choosing not to participate, the NMB said.