Dear Colleagues,

Bloomberg News published a story today that stated the National Mediation Board (NMB) plans to propose a change to their voting method, in response to a petition signed and submitted in September by the unions of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.  According to John Hughes from Bloomberg News; "The proposal, to be announced in coming days, would let workers form unions with majority approval of those voting, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing the plan. It would overturn a standard that requires support of most workers in a class, not just those who cast ballots."

If this news is accurate, it has not yet been posted by the NMB.  However, the Northwest Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Master Executive Council wholeheartedly supports reform of representational voting procedures conducted by the National Mediation Board.  We believe the use of a yes/no type ballot is consistent with the principles of democracy in our country and would allow those who choose to participate in the process to have their votes counted.  For the Q&A the TTD provided regarding their requested change to NMB election procedures, click HERE.

After filing with the NMB for single carrier status on July 27th 2009, AFA and the flight attendants of Northwest and Delta effectively turned our election timeline over to the Board.  Therefore, any procedural questions related to current or future elections, or questions about what this could mean for our own election at Delta Air Lines, should be directed to the NMB at this time.  

In unity for a better future,

Janette Rook

Northwest MEC President

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

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U.S. Plan to Ease Airline Union Organizing Said to Be Advancing by John Hughes, Bloomberg News:  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aCke89dDAcbU