Flight attendants say the Delta-Northwest merger has created a single airline, in which currently Northwest Airlines flight attendants are unionized, while Delta Airlines flight attendants have no union. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) today asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to declare that the merger has created a single transportation system, which is requiredin order for the NMB to conduct a representation election for the carriers’ flight attendants. Northwest Airlines flight attendants are currently represented by AFA-CWA.
“Delta flight attendants have a long, proud tradition at the carrier and in order to preserve it, we know we need a legal voice at the bargaining table,” said Delta flight attendant and AFA-CWA activist Marianne Bicksler.
Once the NMB has declared that the merged airlines are now operating as a single carrier, an election date will be set to determine if AFA-CWA will be the flight attendants’ exclusive bargaining agent. The election will be among the largest ever conducted by the NMB, the federal agency charged with overseeing union elections and the collective bargaining process in the airline industry.
“Northwest flight attendants are eager to move forward and play an integral role in strengthening our world-class airline,” said Rebecca Collier, Northwest flight attendant and AFA-CWA activist.
Delta and Northwest flight attendants have been working together for AFA-CWA representation over the past year. As the largest group of flight attendants at any US airline, Delta flight attendants have a rare opportunity to exercise a decisive voice in the industry.
“Flight attendants at Delta and Northwest are determined to secure their futures and advance their profession. With AFA-CWA representation, these flight attendants will work alongside management in negotiating what is best for their careers. This election represents a tremendous opportunity for over 20,000 flight attendants,” said Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA International president.
