In The Ozone (episode 1)

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:46:59 -0700

Over 400 AFA flight attendants, from all twenty AFA carriers, walked the picket line in protest of stalled US Airways contract talks and Mesa Airline management's threat to terminate any Mesa flight attendant who participated in the event.

Mesa flight attendants were sent letters by management threatening them with termination if they participated in the event. Mesa flight attendants have language in their contract prohibiting participation in picketing events.

In response to that threat, walkers wore the AFA “A Force for Change” t-shirts with stickers on the backs that read, “I am a Mesa Flight Attendant”. In addition, many of those who attended wore Mesa Airline CEO Jonathan Ornstein masks. Several Mesa managers were sighted watching the event.

US Airways flight attendants continue to negotiate toward a single contract after America West Airlines acquired US Airways and merged two years ago. Flight attendants were protesting the snail’s pace of negotiations that keep wages low and benefits in concessionary mode while airline management reap record profits as a result of the merger.

The picket coincided with the AFA Annual Board of Director’s Meeting held this year in Phoenix from October 16 to 18 in which the Board approved the final merger between AFA and CWA.

All AFA local executive presidents, the AFA International Officers and other local union leaders attended the event. CWA National President Larry Cohen walked the picket line and gave a stirring speech to flight attendants in support of AFA issues and efforts on behalf of workers around the country.

the West Wing Podcast

In The Ozone (episode 1)