13 February 2009 

A BANNER WEEK FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ON TWO FRONTS!
In a stunning move, the House of Representatives passed the Airline Crew FMLA Technical Corrections Act (HR 912) in a unanimous voice vote on Monday, February 9.  The AFA-CWA had been moving to have the bill introduced this week by Representatives Tim Bishop (D-NY) and Thad McCotter (R-MI), but because of the bipartisan work done by all, the Democratic and Republican leadership on this legislation agreed to introduce the bill immediately.  Not only was the bill introduced with an overwhelming number of bipartisan co-sponsors (53), but the leadership moved quickly on passage of the bill.  Just a few short hours after the bill was introduced on the House floor IT WAS CONSIDERED QUICKLY FOR FINAL PASSAGE. 

Late in the afternoon of February 9, the House FMLA bill was immediately brought up for final passage on the House suspension calendar, which is a legislative procedure used to quickly pass non-controversial bills.  So, just a few short hours after introduction of the bill it was passed out of the House of Representatives by a unanimous voice vote!  This is virtually unprecedented.   Congratulations to all of you that sent in letters and called your Representatives to make this a reality.  For a copy of the legislation please go to www.nwaafa.org/committees/govaffairs.

The House victory is only half the journey to it becoming law.  Now, the bill goes to the U.S. Senate where Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) is going to lead our efforts to pass the legislation.  We are hopeful that the Senate will also facilitate the passage of their companion bill in an expedited manner allowing crew members the same benefits under the law that other full-time American workers have enjoyed since the original FMLA law was enacted in 1993.  Once the bill passes the Senate, it will then be combined with the House bill and sent as ONE bill to the President for his signature in order for it to become law.

We were also successful in garnering an impressive eighty-six signatures on a letter initiated by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), urging President Obama to appoint a fair-minded National Mediation Board (NMB) as soon as possible.  Only with the appointment of a worker-friendly NMB can we be assured an election free from undue influence and interference.  In addition to the Roybal-Allard letter, we were also able to secure three individual letters written by Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA).  All four letters were sent to the White House early this week and we are hopeful that the administration will act quickly to appoint a new National Mediation Board.

It was a great week for flight attendant issues and a great week for the AFA-CWA.  Both of these accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and involvement of our members in their union on behalf of all flight attendants everywhere.  It is also proof that our union works for all of us and a reason to ensure we maintain a voice in our workplace and our future at the new Delta.--Submitted by MEC Government Affairs Chair Albert Garcia

AFA-CWA TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL FOR FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

The International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), Patricia Friend, testified this week before the House Aviation Subcommittee to address issues involving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill.  The FAA reauthorization is important because the bill determines how FAA programs are funded every three to four years. 

One of the issues supported by AFA-CWA was in regard to flight attendants and OSHA.  Since 1975, the FAA has refused to enforce OSHA standards for flight attendants even though flight attendants suffer injuries and illnesses working aboard commercial flights at rates several times higher than those for all other private industry workers.  In 2000, AFA embarked on a grassroots campaign called OSHANOW! that resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between OSHA and the FAA to extend OSHA protections to Flight Attendants, but following the 2000 presidential election, nothing was done to implement the MOU despite AFA's on-going efforts during the last eight years.  It is hoped that with a new administration, the FAA will now recognize the MOU.

Other issues supported by AFA-CWA in the FAA Reauthorization Bill include a "Return to the Cabin" Program, that will allow flight attendants an opportunity for rehabilitation after testing positive for drug or alcohol abuse, cabin air conditions, English language standards for flight attendants, the development of a method for assessing evacuation capability of aircraft under actual emergency conditions, and that Congress continue to prevent foreign control of U.S. airlines.  To read more about how AFA-CWA outlines priority for the FAA Reauthorization Bill, please click HERE. 

MORE UNIFORM UPDATES

Management has stated that the next and the last shipment of uniforms will be on February 15.  They have urged flight attendants who have not received their uniforms by that date, to contact the local management team or call Lion Uniform group at 1-866-548-8438.  By giving the Lion Uniform Group your Northwest employee number, they will be able to check the status of your order (e.g., still in production, been shipped, or not ordered.)  If they ask for your e-mail address, please consider providing them your NWA company e-mail.  If a flight attendant needs to return or exchange a uniform piece, he/she should call 1-800-921-1317 for a shipping tracking number that can be provided to the flight attendant by Lion Group.  Any business expense form submitted in association with a return/exchange uniform item can be processed by your local management, who will forward the form to Minneapolis for reimbursement.  If you are experiencing continued problems with returning items, reimbursement when there is no approved alteration vendor in your area, not receiving a pre-paid mailing label for returns, etc., please contact your local union officers so they can assist.

222 NW flight attendants and somewhat fewer DL flight attendants have bid for the Early Out/55+ Program.  Some of our members have inquired if there is a response from the President and CEO of Northwest Airlines, Edward Bastian, to a letter sent by NWA-AFA MEC President Kevin Griffin on January 22.  Kevin’s letter was another attempt to get something in writing from Delta management that would lock-in the fifty percent (50%) contractual subsidized retiree medical benefit as a guaranteed benefit under the Early Out Program.  The enrollment deadline of February 11 has come and gone and we have yet to hear from our President and CEO on this matter.  We believe that our flight attendants appreciate and deserve a response from Mr. Bastian.  The on-going risk of leaving one’s job during economic hard times without an enforceable “commitment” from Delta is daunting.  We want to ensure that our members have a secure retirement, even if our joint group does not choose to vote for a union and contract in this merger. 

A SALUTE TO THE COMPASSION OF OUR NORTHWEST COLLEAGUES

Taking Chance, an HBO film that is premiering on February 21, is a personal account of Lieutenant Colonel Michael R. Strobl who in 2004, accompanied the remains of a fellow Marine killed in Iraq, Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, back to the fallen Marine’s hometown.  This story shows all the care and respect given to a service person’s remains while transported to their final resting place.  Lieutenant Colonel Strobl was inspired to document his experience because of the heartfelt reactions from ordinary Americans, whom he encountered throughout the process...“especially the airline employees...Northwest Airlines...they just went out of their way to make things as easy as possible for me and to extend their sympathy and gratitude to Chance’s family” Lieutenant Colonel Strobl said during an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews.  Lt. Col. Strobl never told anyone on the Northwest team why he was travelling, but somehow everyone knew his mission.  Through it all, Northwest’s employees showed extreme respect and honor while going above and beyond their call of duty.  It is heartwarming to seeing our colleagues’ compassion, encouragement, and gratitude in support of Strobl and the fallen Marine and his family.  These employees make us all proud to be part of the Northwest family.