After Union Election, Flight Attendants Vow to Protect Careers at New ExpressJet

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) encourages crewmembers to unify at the new ExpressJet following the election results announced by the National Mediation Board today. The election included approximately 1,000 Flight Attendants represented by AFA and approximately 1,200 Flight Attendants represented by the Machinists. AFA received 666 votes while the Machinists' union received 1,065 and 26 voted for no union.

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"We have been proud members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA since we gained representation 20 years ago.  We had hoped to unify all crewmembers at the new ExpressJet through our Flight Attendant union, but our primary objective must be that we unify and stand together for the best circumstances at our newly merged airline.  The most important point today is that we have a voice at work through union representation.  With collective bargaining rights under attack all over the country, we are still a union work force with a union contract and we have the ability to be full partners in the success of our airline," stated Lindsay Gardner, president for AFA at Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

"The contributions of Flight Attendants from Atlantic Southeast Airlines will always be appreciated by the members of AFA.  Although they will now wear a different union pin the bond between us remain as first responders in the sky and our nation's last line of defense in aviation security.  Our profession is unique and we remain sisters and brothers in our work lives and in our common efforts to ensure good jobs and recognition for our work," stated Veda Shook, AFA International President.

"Despite the outcome of today's election, AFA moves forward with our mission of uniting all Flight Attendants to improve our work lives, advance our careers and take action for the best circumstances for crewmembers and their families.  We encourage all Flight Attendants at the new ExpressJet to support each other and unite on the issues that matter to them most.  For the success of the airline it is important that Flight Attendants are full partners in shaping the future of their super regional.  For 20 years Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants have been an integral part of shaping their airline, their work lives and ensuring the safest standards in the cabin.  Through union representation they have that right and we encourage them to continue to use their voice at work for the best possible conditions for Flight Attendants," Shook stated.

The Association of Flight Attendants is the world's largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for over 65 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions.  Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants at 23 airlines come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO