Master Executive Council

Do your part to get Congress to Pass the FAA Re-authorization Bill Now, click HERE

23 September 2010 - President Obama threatened to veto a now-defeated resolution by DELTA-SUPPORTED Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson to overturn the new, more democratic NMB voting rules that went into effect on July 1. Extra effort by your AFA Government Affairs Committee ensured the Senate majority blocked passage of Isakson’s anti-labor resolution, and retained the new rules for airline and railway workers, in a 56 to 43 vote. Webmaster on 09/30 at 09:30 AM

People are no longer shocked when an American woman works outside the home, owns her own property, her own business, maintains her own finances or votes in a political election. However, 90 years ago women were regarded quite differently. In fact until the 19th amendment was passed on August 26, 1920 it was illegal for a woman to vote.

This amendment holds special significance to flight attendants given the fact that 85% of our work group is comprised of women. Further, one of the most important elections of our careers is quickly approaching. The passage of the 19th amendment allows women the right to vote in political elections, and so much is attached to that right.

History is filled with stories of women who fought for the right to vote because they wanted their voices to be heard and wanted to be represented in their society. This democratic principle is reflected in ALL citizens being regarded equally in the eyes of the law and having equal access to power.

For years throughout the country women suffered discrimination because they were not recognized as equal citizens simply because of their gender.  Today we, as women, take for granted the opportunities, choices and options we enjoy because of the 19th amendment. The right to vote was the beginning of equality for women and paved the way to other rights that were long denied to women.

This law change did not happen overnight, nor was it an easy battle.  The suffrage movement struggled for years and thousands of women from all levels of society participated in marches, demonstrations, even picketing the White House. Many of these courageous women risked a great deal and many were jailed for their actions.

The right to vote is a privilege, and also a responsibility not only for women, but for all American citizens. This month women celebrate the 90th anniversary of having a voice and being recognized as equal citizens.  This right allows us to speak to power and shape our society and our future as opposed to having conditions and laws imposed upon us.

With the expiration date quickly approaching, the U.S Senate approved the House of Representatives one month extension of the Faa Reauthorization Bill by voice vote. The current bill was set to expire on July 3rd.
The outstanding issue that has received the most attention in recent months involves a provision in the House passed bill that would shift FedEx ground operations from being covered by the Railway Labor Act to the National Labor Relations Act. This would put FedEx on the same footing as rival UPS and among other things, allow ground employees, now only allowed to unionize nationally, to being allowed to organize locally, which is easier.
Click here - 
Fed Ex Express has been given a special loophole in the law that allows their truck drivers, like airline pilots, a special status no other company in the package delivery industry has been given.  Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn, who objects to the House version which excludes truck drivers being governed by the RLA stated “I will continue working with Senator Alexander to make sure the controversial FedEx provision is not attached to the final bill produced by the House and Senate conferees”

Submitted by the Government Affairs Committee

July 2010 - As U.S. and foreign airlines increasingly partner up to provide international service, U.S. jobs become ripe for outsourcing. When airlines jointly offer service on a route, they can choose to use the cheapest workforce or hire new, non-union workers to staff it.  To help solve this problem, U.S. airlines must be required to participate in at least some of the flight operations in joint ventures.  Tell your Representative that U.S. aviation jobs must be better protected from these types of international joint ventures. (ID = Employee Number or AFA Member ID). 

June 16, 2010 - AFA International President Pat Friend recently testified before two House of Representative hearings concerning the airline industry and effects of mergers on communities, consumers and workers.  Click HERE to view Pat’s testimony.  Read AFA’s Press Release HERE.