OSHA Finds Piedmont Guilty in the Preventable Death of CWA Passenger Service Agent Courtney Edwards

CWA National reports:

After a thorough investigation of the death of Piedmont passenger service agent and CWA Local 3645 member Courtney Edwards, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) found that Piedmont Airlines is guilty of a serious breach of safety.

The willingness of CWA members to come forward to speak to the OSHA inspectors and the work of union officers, including CWA Local 3645 President Donielle Prophete, were essential in providing the documentation needed for this finding.

OSHA found that the lack of effective training, clear and unambiguous communication on the ramp, and clear instructions from supervisors as to when it is safe to approach an aircraft were deficiencies that contributed to Courtney Edwards's preventable death.

Courtney was a ground agent at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama and a valued member of CWA Local 3645 who died in a tragic on-the-job accident on December 31, 2022. Courtney was a loving mother of three children and the beloved daughter of Natalie English. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her coworkers and friends.

The company faces a penalty of $15,635, the maximum allowed by law for a serious violation. Despite the small penalty, it is likely Piedmont will contest the decision, but CWA will continue to fight for Courtney Edwards, her family, and the safety of all airline workers, who should never fear for their lives on the job.