AFA-CWA Praises Obama's NMB Choice as Long-Needed Change

AFA-CWA applauded President Obama's nomination of Linda Puchala, a former flight attendant and union member, to head the National Mediation Board.

AFA-CWA International President Patricia Friend said Puchala's experience and "commitment to workers' rights and to the collective bargaining process will help to restore the integrity of this vital federal agency." AFA-CWA urged the Senate to quickly confirm Puchala's nomination.

"We look forward to working with Ms. Puchala to ensure that the National Mediation Board adheres to its mission of protecting employees' right to organize without interference or influence from the employers and their multi-million dollar anti-worker campaigns," Friend added.

Last week, more than 100 flight attendants from United, Northwest and Delta met with members of Congress on Capitol Hill and urged them to confirm an NMB chair who will protect workers' rights under labor laws covering flight attendants and other workers in the transportation sector.  

Currently, Puchala serves as senior mediator with the NMB and has more than 30 years of experience in labor relations. She served as AFA president from 1979-1986.