FLIGHT ATTENDANTS CALL FOR
MOMENT OF SILENCE ON SEPTEMBER 11
Washington, DC – On Monday, September 11, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) will observe a minute of silence at 8:46 a.m. EST, to remember and reflect on the importance of the flight attendant profession.
“We mark the fifth anniversary of the tragic events that transformed our industry and our nation by joining together in a minute of silence to renew our commitment to improving the flight attendant profession,” said Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA International President. “The grief we continue to experience over the events of that morning will always be an important part of our history. But rather than allow that grief to deplete us, we must transform it into action and take from it the important lessons that can guide our future actions.
“In the ensuing years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have witnessed the failure of airlines and of government regulatory agencies to respond competently to the new challenges facing commercial aviation. We have learned that a simple household tool, when wielded in the aircraft cabin, can transform an aircraft into a weapon of mass destruction; yet, the Transportation Security Administration continues to allow small knives and scissors on board. We have learned that it is imperative for flight attendants to be equipped to protect ourselves and our passengers; yet, safety and security training standards for flight attendants remain inadequate.
“The events of the past few weeks have once again illustrated the dire need for carriers and government regulators to recognize the primary role of flight attendants on the aircraft--that is, to safeguard our passengers.”
For over 60 years, the Association of Flight Attendants has been serving as the voice for flight attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill. More than 55,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines come together to form AFA-CWA, the world’s largest flight attendant union. AFA is part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afanet.org.