11.30.12 – APFA Welcomes Prospect of New Workplace. FAA, OSHA Propose Oversight of Aircraft Cabin

EULESS, TX (November 30, 2012) – The Federal Aviation Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed new policies today to address flight attendant workplace safety. The proposed regulations will enforce certain workplace health and safety standards not currently covered by the FAA.

“APFA has been pushing for these workplace protections for many years and we’re looking forward to incorporating them into our union’s safety culture,” said APFA President Laura Glading. “Though long overdue, I believe OSHA protection is a huge step forward for the flight attendant profession. I appreciate the leadership of Secretaries LaHood and Solis as well as the Members of Congress that have fought for this over the years.”

APFA took a leading role in bringing this action about. Recognizing the alarming frequency of workplace injuries and the ever increasing hours flight attendants are on the job, APFA government affairs team employed an aggressive strategy to achieve these much-needed reforms.

Julie Frederick, APFA Government Affairs Coordinator, headed up the effort: “We worked with Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to make sure the language that would prompt this rulemaking stayed in the FAA reauthorization bill earlier this year. We knew our best bet was not to legislate oversight but to give the Administration the opportunity to work out the mechanics following the election. That was our strategy and I’m happy to see it play out.”

APFA conducted a fly-in early in March of 2011 during which union leadership conducted dozens of meetings on Capitol Hill to introduce the issue to Members of Congress and staff. APFA Government Affairs then sustained the effort with Congress and the Administration.

The policy notice will soon be published in the Federal Register which will begin a 30-day comment period. APFA plans to submit written comments supporting the proposal and making recommendations for scope and process.