Thanks to all the Delta Flight Attendants who called in for our conference call last week.  It was a very lively and productive call, and we expect more discussions as we enter this crucial new phase of the representation election. You haven’t stopped advocating for a fair election, and we’re there with you all the way.

Here’s what we discussed:

Interference Investigation

AFA General Counsel Ed Gilmartin explained the interference charges and process. The National Mediation Board (NMB) will begin formally investigating the charges and will begin interviewing those who made interference complaints.  This process could take several months, but AFA will push for quick remedy to achieve a fair election for Delta Flight Attendants.

Delta management is determined to stop Flight Attendants from gaining representation and negotiating the best contract in the industry – that is the stake here, and why Delta management is seeking to vilify AFA while getting its political friends to attack the Board.

Delta Lobby Misses the Point

Delta is the primary supporter for House committee interference in the work of the NMB. The Board is a 50-employee agency that is fully engaged in resolving labor issues in the transportation industry, not just airlines and certainly not just Delta. But the politically charged House “investigation” is going to slow down the NMB investigation of Delta’s interference in our election.

This is the reality we face: Delta management is determined to derail this process. They don’t want a fair election; they want “union free” environment so no one can challenge their authority, to have no one who speaks for employees.

The Strong Voice For Our Profession

No one else can speak with such authority about our profession. The Association of Flight Attendants was founded more than 60 years ago at United Airlines by Flight Attendants to do just that. Since then, AFA has expanded to some 50,000 members in 21 different airlines, representing Flight Attendants around the world. If Delta Flight Attendants join our union, they will be the biggest, along with the United-Continental group, which is now deciding between AFA and the International Association of Machinists.

AFA has been advocating for you and your colleagues for our entire existence. Your future is our only interest. This is how we will set the standards for the industry, by looking out for you. We must ensure that the biggest and the best don’t get short-changed on their way to establishing the standard for everyone else.

Our New Campaign

This is a marathon, isn’t it? So many wonderful Delta and Northwest Flight Attendants who have been with us through years, working their hardest to win a union, to gain the respect that a contract brings. But the campaigns also have been hard on us emotionally, we all know. The hope that shone so bright this time last year is now a scarlet reminder in our rear-view mirror. So, we take a deep breath and we begin again.

The AFA Delta campaign will be shaped by your ideas and your willingness to engage, to stand up for yourselves and your colleagues, for your careers and your profession. That’s the opportunity that AFA gives you, and you make your own future.

So, as we begin this crucial new phase of our campaign – for the win! – tell us what you think. What do you think worked from the last campaign, and what did not. Got a better idea? Be a part of our new campaign. Send your thoughts to volunteer@deltaafa.org.