Flight Attendant Union Calls On United Management To Implement Solutions, Not Furloughs

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today called on United Airlines management to address proposed staffing issues by working with AFA on an array of solutions that would avert involuntary furloughs. AFA represents over 25,000 Flight Attendants at United.

"AFA leadership has been working for months to reach collaborative solutions with United management for reasonable alternatives to an involuntary furlough at a profitable airline. It is crucial that we work together to move United's merger forward in a positive way. Management should be focused on reaching agreement on one contract and merging the operation rather than shifting people from one subsidiary to another. United needs to make good on the promises made on May 3, 2010 to all stakeholders. Now more than ever, we call on United management to engage in meaningful conversations that reflect a commitment to implementing the benefits of this merger. We are suggesting options that have been implemented in the past and proven successful as well as new alternatives to keep our members in their current employment," said Veda Shook, AFA International President.

On January 15, United management announced its intention to furlough nearly 700 Flight Attendants despite persistent efforts by AFA to mitigate the staffing overage.

"Working together, we can engage in thoughtful and creative conversations that ensure each and every worker at United Airlines has a voice and is an integral part in the creation of the world's leading airline. We call on management to commit to a solution that unites all employees and preserves the jobs of all hard working Flight Attendants," added Shook.  

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 68 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 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 (AFA)