“The basic goal of labor will not change. It is -- as it has always been, and I am sure always will be -- to better the standards of life for all who work for wages and to seek decency and justice and dignity for all Americans.”  ~ George Meany

CELEBRATING OUR TRADITION OF REPRESENTATION

This weekend marks the 62nd anniversary of collective bargaining rights for Northwest Airlines Flight Attendants.  On September 19th, 1947, Northwest Airlines and the Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Association (the predecessor to AFA) signed their first legally binding contract – a tradition that has endured for over half a century. 

Many provisions contained in the first contract have survived through decades of the often volatile airline industry.  Over the years, Collective Bargaining Agreements have created the standard for flight attendant pay, rest, and work rules. This progression has changed our profession from a short-term job into a career.

On this 62^nd anniversary of flight attendants gaining a seat at the negotiating table, we reflect on the accomplishments of past and present union members and activists.  Moving forward to become the world’s largest carrier, it is our responsibility to those that came before us to carry the torch of collective bargaining rights well into the 21st century. 

Today, flight attendants from Northwest and Delta stand together to bring the first contract to our combined group.   Our history and collective future of representation is truly momentous. 

You can view all the NWA contracts since 1947 on the MEC website by clicking here. 

NEW FORUM FOR LOD FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

The LOD Committee would like to announce the creation of a yahoo group for all Language of Destination Flight Attendants.  This is a great forum for all of us to reach our colleagues from different bases, freely exchange ideas, share experiences, seek resolution on common problems, and discuss issues pertaining to the Language of Destination Program.  Let your voice be heard and join your colleagues by logging on to the Yahoo group here and click on the 'join the group'box." ~ Submitted by MEC LOD Chair Jeffrey Ferrer

MILITARY CHARTER FLYING 

Recent troop movements in and out of the Middle East have created a steady flow of military charter flying in open time throughout the system.  The Company has indicated that we can expect consistent levels of AMC/CRAF-type flying for at least the next several months.  While military charters offer an interesting change from normal domestic and international flying, it’s important to note that these patterns are attached to different work rules.  

A Letter of Agreement (LOA 40) covering provisions of military charter flying was recently signed by the Union and the Company.  Some patterns will require “live/live” operations, which means working both segments of a turn to the Middle East from the staging area (ex HHN-KWI-HHN.)  Crew complement, layover rest, and, if applicable, pay for duty time for this type of pattern construction are covered in LOA 40.  If you bid for these patterns, please familiarize yourself with the LOA.  Click the link above to view LOA 40.  Please print a copy to take on your trips and share with your flying partners.  Contact your Local Executive Council if you have questions, and remember to ask for a review of crew orders from Crew Scheduling when you question the legality of an assignment or rescheduling.   

AFL-CIO CONVENES IN PITTSBURGH

“The success of all of us is built on by the success of each of us”  ~President Obama 

The 26^th AFL-CIO Congressional Convention took place this week (September 13-17) in Pittsburgh. Many guest speakers including Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Caroline Kennedy and President Barak Obama addressed the delegates. To see President Obama’s speech click HERE

The speakers covered a wide range of topics such as health care, education, The Employee Free Choice Act and conditions facing America’s working families. Click HERE to view all videos.

The election for new AFL-CIO President took place as long time President John Sweeny is retiring after 14 years of service. He will be replaced by Richard L. Trumpka.

New York LEC 91 President Josh Zivick was in attendance and has shared some of his first hand experiences in the following article:

“I just returned from the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh PA.  It was a week long meeting that was filled with energy shared by visits from Hilda Solis, Labor Secretary, Congresswoman Judy Chu and, the highlight of the week, President Barack Obama.  The President committed to the signing the employee free choice act when it reaches his desk.  The other major portion of his speech was health care reform which would allow all Americans affordable access to health care.  Before leaving the stage he made a point to shake hands with delegates and guests of the convention and I am happy to say Delta Flight Attendant and Member Organizer Simone Cerasa was right in line representing Delta and Northwest flight attendants.

The focus of the convention was to organize the unorganized across America, and to return middle class jobs back with good pay, health care and retirement.   All who attended heard about our fight to retain representation, and about our campaign with NW and DL flight attendants --one the biggest organizing drives in the country.  Pledges of support came from all labor groups to not allow corporate America to destroy our union jobs.

I must say it was uplifting and great to be there with all of my sisters and brothers of labor lending support and committing to causes that affect so many across America." ~LEC 91, NYC President, Josh Zivick

MINNESOTA SENATOR FRANKEN SIGNS ON AS FMLA CO-SPONSOR

This week we are pleased to announce that Minnesota Senator Al Franken has signed on as a co-sponsor!  We will continue to get as many Senators as we can to co-sponsor FMLA legislation in hopes of finally seeing a correction in the law that will recognize our unique work schedules and allow for us to have equal protection under the law just like every other full-time worker in our country.

It is hard to believe, but we are still fighting for our rights to be protected under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. The AFA-CWA Government Affairs Committee has worked hard for over 2 years on ensuring that flight attendants are covered the same as every other full time American worker. This is what the law originally intended. Unfortunately as a result of the court’s subsequent definition of full time work without regard to our unique schedules, flight crews have been disenfranchised. When this occurred, every airline was free to create their own policy resulting in a hodgepodge of FMLA policies across the industry. At Northwest, we are luckier than most as we were able to negotiate FMLA into our contract. As a result of this contractual stipulation many flight attendants assume we are fully covered by FMLA because it is a federal law, but that is not so. For more information about this legislation and how you can help, please visit the NWA-AFA Government Affairs Web page here. ~ Submitted by MEC Government Affairs Chair Albert Garcia

DELTA PUSHES FOR JAPAN AIRLINES PARTNERSHIP 

Last week we learned that Delta Air Lines has been in talks with Japan Airlines (JAL) over a proposed alliance.  The deal would reportedly inject hundreds of millions of dollars into a cash-strapped JAL and give Delta access to coveted slots at Tokyo's Haneda airport.   

At this point it’s unclear as to how this DL/JAL link could affect flying.  We understand members are concerned about further reductions to an already pared-down schedule.  To that end, your MEC has requested a briefing with the company as outlined in Section 1 of our Agreement.  We will continue to advocate for flight attendant jobs and uphold the provisions of our Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

DELTA-AFA CAMPAIGN VIDEO REWIND

If you've missed any of the previous campaign videos, here's your chance to catch up.  Click the screen of the video you wish to view to be redirected to the clip on our YouTube channel.  After you're done, spread the message by sharing the clip.  Click "share" and select your preferred networking site -- such as Facebook or Twitter. 

To email a clip, copy and paste the URL into the body of an email and send it to your colleagues, friends and family.  Encourage them to do the same.  Be sure to rate and comment on all the clips.

Visit the Delta-AFA campaign:  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  Delta-AFA

BRING A COLLEAGUE. GET MOTIVATED. GET INVOLVED. 

The NWA AFA MEC Calendar of Events is found under the "Events" tab at www.nwaafa.org.  Delta Flight Attendants will be invited to local union meetings throughout the country in the coming months, and there will be information sessions and gatherings planned and posted at www.deltaafa.org as well. 

DON'T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR UNION PIN - AT WORK & TO TRAINING! 

Show your support for collective bargaining by wearing your union pin to work and all company events.  Together, we are AFA.  Click HERE or visit www.afanet.org for information about AFA-CWA union structure and the history of the AFA-CWA.  Dues & Member Information can be viewed HERE.