Delta Flight Attendants File for AFA-CWA Representation

Backed by a solid majority of workers who want a voice and bargaining rights, Delta Air Lines flight attendants filed for AFA-CWA representation with the National Mediation Board on Feb. 14. The campaign began in late 2006, with a small, dedicated group of flight attendants who started collecting signatures to petition for a union representation election.

As uncertainty builds among the more than 12,000 flight attendants over the impact of a widely-anticipated merger with Northwest Airlines, the workers are eager for an election. "Delta flight attendants have made it clear that they want a voice in their future and a legally binding contract they can count on," said AFA-CWA President Pat Friend. "They want the right to negotiate rather than simply having to accept what management decides," she said adding: "Their goals are our goals and we will work together to achieve them."

Voting in airline union elections generally begins within 60 to 90 days of authorization cards being filed with the NMB.

For years, there has been strong support for a union by Delta flight attendants. In August 2001, a majority  petitioned for union representation with AFA, but management used scare tactics and the devastating impact of the 9/11 attacks to erode union support in the December 2001 election.