AFA-CWA Cites both Threat, Opportunity in Delta-Northwest Merger

With the approval by the Justice Department this week of the merger between Northwest and Delta Air Lines, AFA-CWA noted that bargaining rights at Northwest now are threatened, but that the merger also "provides an enormous opportunity to advance the profession of over 21,000 flight attendants" at the new merged company.

"With such vast opportunity also comes a great responsibility to protect the 60 years of collective bargaining rights that Northwest flight attendants have long fought to maintain," said AFA-CWA President Pat Friend.

Organizing efforts have continued after Delta flight attendants narrowly missed winning union recognition earlier this year.  While AFA-CWA won the vast majority of votes cast in the election, Delta management's aggressive voter suppression campaign kept thousands from a casting a vote.  Due to participation by less than 50 percent, the National Mediation Board refused to validate the election.

Sometime next year, after the National Mediation Board determines that the merged carrier is a "single transportation entity," an election will take place to determine union representation among the entire combined unit of flight attendants.  A union victory is essential to maintain bargaining rights for the Northwest employees as well as bring long-sought representation to Delta flight attendants. 

Leaders from both units issued an upbeat response:  "We now have the potential to be the largest flight attendant union in the world and look forward to working together to make that a reality," said AFA Northwest Airlines President Kevin Griffin and AFA-CWA Delta Campaign Coordinator Angela Winningham.