American Eagle Agents To Vote on Joining CWA

American Eagle airline agents have the chance to vote this month for CWA representation in an election set by the National Mediation Board.

A majority of the 3,200 passenger services agents petitioned the NMB for an election. Ballots will be mailed Aug. 10 and counted Sept 12.

Under the Railway Labor Act and NMB rules, which govern labor relations in the transportation industries, slightly more than half the unit must cast ballots for CWA for the election to be valid. Anyone not voting is counted as a “no” vote.

CWA organizers are working with the Eagle organizing committee to build support at airports nationwide and in Puerto Rico, CWA Executive Vice President Larry Cohen said.

Major issues for Eagle agents include:

• A fair pay system, with built-in pay progression steps, based on seniority.
  
• Consistent policies and work rules that are applied fairly and equally to all.
  
• An end to second class treatment in health care, 401(k) plan and other benefits.
  
• Career flexibility and opportunity for advancement, especially for openings at the parent company, American Airlines.

Agents are the only employee group at Eagle without union representation. Eligible to vote in the election are passenger service, lead, station and baggage service agents; ramp escorts; bus drivers; support reps and employees in operations planning.

In a national survey of American Eagle agents in May, 92 percent said Eagle agents should be treated more fairly and be giventhe same benefits as their counterparts at American Airlines, who work for the same corporation.

In a separate campaign at American Airlines, support is building for CWA, with thousands signing authorization cards.

CWA President Morton Bahr is urging members to stop by American Eagle and American Airlines operations when traveling over the summer season, and let agents know CWA is the right choice for customer service professionals.