Delta Air Lines Flight Attendants FIND THEIR VOICE

File For AFA-CWA Representation Election

Washington, DC – Delta Air Lines flight attendants today officially filed a petition with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to hold an election that would certify the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) as the exclusive flight attendant union at the carrier. The campaign for AFA-CWA representation began in late 2006 when a small group of flight attendants started collecting the signatures necessary for the NMB to call an election. Today, a solid majority of Delta flight attendants have signed cards.

“Delta flight attendants deserve to have a voice in their careers and they have recognized that by joining together, they can accomplish that,” said Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA International President. “They want the right to negotiate rather than simply having to accept what management decides. They want a contract with improvements in pay, benefits and working conditions. They want a seat at the table – whether it is during regular contract negotiations or mergers – so that their voice is heard. Their goals are our goals and we will work together to achieve them.”

The NMB is the federal agency that oversees union representation elections in the airline industry. Once the NMB independently and confidentially verifies that enough signed union representation cards have been submitted by AFA-CWA, a secret ballot election will be called. That election will determine whether or not Delta flight attendants will have union representation. Voting is typically conducted electronically via the Internet or through a phone-activated system.

“Delta flight attendants are hard working and are committed to our airline and to our profession,” said Delta flight attendant Mark Stell. “We want to make the decisions that affect our careers and our families, and not let others speak for us. Joining a union is about fairness, equal-footing and having a right to a legally binding contract. We will gain all that and much more by joining AFA-CWA.”

The NMB normally begins the voting within 60 – 90 days after the cards are filed. A schedule for the voting period has not yet been announced.