12.31.12 – (LAA) – FAA Reauthorization Bill, Oversigh for the Aircraft Cabin, Pensions, HR 3824

 

APFA Legislative Year in Review

12.31.12

To quote Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. 

The bankruptcy and restructuring of American Airlines has required our personal and collective resolve this past year.  And yet, as the 112th Congress winds down, it is important to reflect on several remarkable successes.  Here are a few of the highlights:

• With passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill, we fought and won OSHA/FAA oversight for the aircraft cabin.  After 14 long years, we were successful in adding language to the bill that included a timeline for completion of the work on health and safety standards for Flight Attendants.  APFA is working with OSHA/FAA to establish the new regulations.
• We were able to effectively make our case against terminating our pensions.  Within two days of AA’s bankruptcy filing, we met with the House and Senate Committees that oversee the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation).  Laura Glading met with PBGC Administrator Josh Gotbaum and confirmed his support in freezing and protecting vs terminating our hard-earned pensions.
• We increased our visibility and influence in Washington.  APFA organized a membership fly-in to take our case to members of Congress.  We met and briefed them on our restructuring and our desire to see a successful American Airlines with a new management team and a merger with US Airways.
• We worked with Senator-elect Mazie Hirono who filed the first Flight Attendant fatigue bill, HR 3824, called the “Airline First Responder Workplace Fairness Act”.  Pilots now have a comprehensive fatigue policy and APFA will continue to fight for you until we too, have this protection.  Fatigue is a huge issue for Flight Attendants who are essential to the safe operation of the aircraft.
• We supported an unprecedented 90% of the candidates who were elected to serve in the upcoming 113th Congress.  The APFA PAC supports both Democrats and Republicans who support Flight Attendant issues.  The APFA PAC is a voluntary member contribution.  Union dues are never used to support political candidates.

 

Having a strong voice in the Halls of Congress has never been more important for unions like ours than it is today. As APFA members, you have shown a remarkable tenacity and our efforts are beginning to pay off. APFA and our Government Affairs Department will continue to fight for you everyday carrying our message to the 113th Congress in the new year.

In unity,

Julie Frederick
APFA Government Affairs Representative
[email protected]
AmericanAirlines + US Airways
“Our Future Depends On It”