I started my career with American Eagle over a decade ago when we operated as four separate carriers. I was a Simmons flight attendant, and back then we only had two domiciles, ORD and DFW. For most of my career, I have served as a union activist.

I am based in Chicago, where I reside as well. Early on in my career it concerned me how it didn't take much to move up at American Eagle - flight attendants resigned in large numbers at a steady pace. I was very concerned, had I made mistake in my career choice - a choice I had been so excited about?

Often times I resented the fact that I was called a safety professional by the airline, and yet as far as I could tell, my own safety meant nothing. Momentary breaks that are considered rest, being run ragged with 6/7 legs and 14/16 hour duty days. How many times have you had no time to eat because of quick turns or you're playing catch up all day? In Illinois, and most states, law requires that you must be given a 30 minute break before your 6th hour of service in a 8 hour day. Companies can be brought up on charges for not complying with labor laws mandated by the Department of Labor. Yet for us, "the safety professionals," eating, rest and humane conditions, are something we have to negotiate for!

Why must we negotiate for basic rights such as food and rest when they are given so freely to other employees in America? It is proven that lack of rest or food prohibits people from performing at their best. I'm surprised in our post September 11 environment, where even more responsibility has been placed on us, conditions have worsened. I often find irony in our title "safety professional." The frustrating and sometimes inhumane conditions that we face on the job, is what started me on the journey that I have taken with AFA.

I'm often surprised at one of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a Union representative, "Why do you take on all of this extra work?" My response always is, when so may things are wrong, how do you not? I believe in what we do and the people we represent, together I hope we can improve conditions at American Eagle. My commitment to that inspired me to further my education at the National Labor College for a Bachelors of Labor Studies.

In closing, the American Eagle AFA Master Executive Council is committed to our profession and the value we bring to the Airline as Safety Professionals. Your elected leadership can't do it alone - it's going to take all of us, working together. We are all the union. Together, we will make positive change.

In Solidarity,
Veronica Tenerelli