AFA-CWA Calls for Union Election at Northwest Airlines

AFA-CWA has filed a petition with the National Mediation Board requesting an election to represent the more than 9,000 flight attendants at Northwest Airlines. Northwest Airlines has been operating in bankruptcy in September 2005.

"Northwest flight attendants are looking for a strong voice to support them during this difficult time, and AFA-CWA is that voice," said AFA-CWA President Patricia Friend.

CWA members who know or encounter Northwest flight attendants while traveling are urged to share the benefits of being part of CWA and encourage them to join. "Be sure to tell them to vote AFA-CWA for a better future," said Ed Sabol, CWA's senior director for organizing.

"Right now, the Northwest flight attendants are facing the most turbulent time of their careers and they are doing so without a safety net," Friend said. "They have been presented with a devastating tentative agreement from their bankrupt carrier and are already experiencing incredible hardships. They approached AFA-CWA in hopes that our experience could help them navigate through this difficult process and we will do whatever it takes to defend their interests and provide the support they so desperately need."

The NMB oversees union representation elections in the airline and transportation sectors. Once the agency has completed its review and pre-election process, it will set the date for a secret ballot election.

"Northwest flight attendants need the strength and support of a union experienced in representing flight attendants," Northwest flight attendant Shawn Fivecoat said. "We are confident that AFA-CWA's extensive expertise will make a valuable difference in the careers of Northwest flight attendants."