World Class e-News 21 May 2009

Meeting of Minds in Atlanta

More than a hundred Delta AFA activists and leaders descended on Atlanta May 13-14 to discuss how best to win an industry-leading contract for Delta's World Class Flight Attendants. The key message from that meeting is how important it is for us to reach out to our fellow flight attendants in one-on-one conversations.

It's important to reconnect with friends and supporters and make certain everyone understands the gravity of the decision they will make with this election. Many former supporters need reassurance, and new understanding. Personal contact is SO important as we explain about representation and legally binding contracts.

During the second day of the Atlanta meeting, several Delta flight attendants told their stories to local and state officials, and community leaders - about their attempts to secure representation at Delta and how management interfered with their efforts . The officials and a local minister pledged their support for our present campaign to have a stronger, united voice at Delta. It was a rousing event that had people on their feet.

Later that day, activists visited the lounges and the Camp Creek parking lot in a show of support for Delta AFA representation. It was an invigorating experience for flight attendants coming together to plan a summer of activity moving to an election and, ultimately, an industry-leading contract.

Heading for "The Vote"

When should the vote take place?  When every flight attendant has had the opportunity to make up his or her mind.  This decision impacts us and is ours to make.  Even Delta agrees that this is the most important decision of our careers. Therefore, careful consideration should take precedence.

The conversation among the 21,000 flight attendants at the 'new' Delta has just begun. We must intensify our efforts to reach out to our fellow flight attendants and talk about what's at stake. 

Education and information are vital for a fair and honest election. It's clear that we have two very distinct cultures from the pre-merger Delta (80 years without a contract) and the pre-merger Northwest (60 years with contracts).  As our two great airlines continue to integrate, we are heading toward the creation of an entirely new culture -- the best of both, we hope.

The key to this education process is taking the time to talk with each other whenever we have the chance - and more importantly - to listen to each other.  There is nothing harmful about taking our time to do this.  We won't even be able to fly together until the Spring or Summer of 2010.

So, start a conversation on your next flight, on your next sit, at your next layover...

Download our videos to your mobile devices and show them around. Let's learn more about what's at stake, and get ready to vote!

World Class Airline Delta customers will benefit from the airline treating its key frontline employees as World Class Flight Attendants.  Click the television, or HERE, to view the new video.

If you experience difficulty viewing the YouTube video, click HERE to download Adobe Flash for your computer.