AFA-CWA Wins Fight for Seniority Protections, Fatigue Study

AFA-CWA's persistence on two vital issues paid off Wednesday as Congress passed an omnibus bill that includes seniority protections for airline workers and funding to follow-up on a study of the effects of fatigue on flight attendants.

"For years, AFA-CWA members have been urging their Congressional leaders to take action on these very important issues," AFA-CWA President Patricia Friend said. "Those leaders listened and because of their determination, flight attendants across the country are better off. Today we made a giant stride in protecting our futures and came one step closer to ending the dangerous effects of fatigue."

A study last year authorized by the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee determined that flight attendants are frequently "experiencing issues consistent with fatigue and tiredness" and urged further evaluation. The funding approved this week will pay for a two-year study by the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute.

AFA-CWA has also been at the forefront of the fight for seniority protections, noting that 3,000 TWA flight attendants were placed at the bottom of the seniority list when American Airlines bought TWA. After the September 11 attacks, all of the former TWA flight attendants lost their jobs at American, even though many had more than 25 years of service. Neither group of workers were represented by AFA-CWA, but the union fought for congressional action to ensure that all flight attendants are protected.