March 3, 2014
By Stephanie West
Washington, DC — US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), has voted to partner with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) in negotiating a contract with American Airlines. The two labor organizations have established a joint negotiations protocol for a single contract with the New American Airlines. The two unions will negotiate a contract for all 24,000 Flight Attendants at the airline.
"US Airways Flight Attendants are eager to take full advantage of the benefits of the US Airways/American merger. We are making history by partnering AFA and APFA to use the combined strength and resources of our two unions to negotiate the best contract at the world's biggest airline. US Airways Flight Attendants bring 65 years of bargaining experience with AFA to this merger and we proudly stand in solidarity with our new flying partners at American to honor histories and launch our promising future as American Flight Attendants working together – 24,000 strong," said Roger Holmin, AFA US Airways President.
AFA and APFA will form a joint negotiating team with an equal number of representatives and professional advisors as they spend the next 60 days preparing an opening proposal based on the best of both contracts and input from all Flight Attendants at the New American.
Management has agreed to meet with an intensive schedule in an effort to reach an agreement on a combined contract. The parties have also agreed to the utilization of the National Mediation Board and other expedited bargaining methods. The entire process includes timelines that lead to implementation of a new single contract no later than the first quarter of 2015.
"Our agreement with APFA ensures a smooth and effective transition for US Airways Flight Attendants as equal partners in the merger with a strong voice in shaping our future at the New American Airlines," stated Holmin.
