News

AFA-CWA Advances Interests of All Work Groups at New American

10 Apr, 2014

Piedmont Flight Attendants Ratify New Agreement

On multiple fronts, and joining together with other unions involved in the US Airways-American Airlines merger, AFA and CWA are working to ensure economic and job security for all airline workers. This week, while AFA-CWA American Eagle leaders held American Airlines senior management accountable for the future of their regional carrier, Piedmont Flight Attendants at US Airways Express secured their future employment at the merged airline by ratifying a new agreement. Piedmont Flight Attendants gained pay increases and work rule improvements – the latest in a series of significant steps that hold management accountable for the promises made during merger discussions.

"Through unity and determination, Piedmont Flight Attendants have a new contract that reflects some of our top priorities. Our professional contributions have been crucial in creating opportunities within the new American Airlines network. We look forward to our future at the world's largest airline," said AFA-CWA Piedmont MEC President Anita Jwanouskos.

The American Airlines and US Airways merger also has directly impacted workers at US Airways' wholly owned subsidiaries American Eagle, Piedmont and PSA, as well as at airlines that do contract flying, Mesa Airlines and Air Wisconsin.

"Our pilots rejected a tentative agreement asserting that there are limits to the sacrifices American Eagle workers are willing to make, especially given the profitability of our airline," said AFA American Eagle MEC President Robert Barrow. "Management continues to miss the mark in meeting us halfway. The hard working employees of American Eagle are important partners in ensuring the successful future of our airline and this merger."

The solidarity of Piedmont Airlines ramp and passenger service agents, Flight Attendants and pilots who do regional, contract and mainline flying ultimately will compel management to deliver on promises made and create a successful merger.

"With AFA and CWA taking the lead in coordination with other unions to close the remaining loopholes, we are holding management accountable and building unity among workers at the new American," said AFA-CWA International President Veda Shook. "This ultimately strengthens the bargaining position of all workgroups involved in the merger."

On February 28, 2014, the US Airways and American Flight Attendants approved the Agreement on Bargaining and Representation (ABR), which includes a Negotiations Protocol Agreement with management and a consensual agreement to join the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. The ABR combines the strength and resources of both unions, guaranteeing that the best provisions of the existing contracts will form the basis for negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement.

"This agreement paves the way for our combined membership to negotiate the industry-leading contract we deserve," said Roger Holmin, AFA President at US Airways. "Working together, and with the support of all 24,000 Flight Attendants, we will achieve the very best at the world's biggest airline."

The Piedmont Flight Attendants' new agreement builds unity, strengthens the bargaining position of all workers and moves the merger forward for airline workers.