9.02.14 – APFA Press Release: DOT Rejects NAI “Flag of Convenience”

 

 

APFA Press Release: DOT Rejects NAI “Flag of Convenience”
APFA Pres. Laura Glading Applauds Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (September 2, 2014) – The US Department of Transportation (DOT) announced this afternoon that it has denied Norwegian Air International’s application for a temporary foreign air carrier operating authorization. This is a significant victory for the American aviation industry and the workers that support it. Although DOT is still considering NAI’s application (the rejection only applies to the temporary exemption NAI also applied for), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants appreciates this important first step.

“The United States and the European Union have clearly defined agreements on how the transatlantic market is serviced,” said APFA President Laura Glading. “NAI is blatantly trying to circumvent those rules at the expense of American and European airline workers alike. On behalf of APFA’s 24,000 members, I thank Sec. Foxx for listening to the stakeholders and making an informed decision on this matter. I look forward to the day NAI’s application is dismissed once and for all.”

NAI has established itself as an Irish company in order to avoid the labor laws of its home country, Norway, where NAI’s parent-company is based. NAI has no plans to base operations in Ireland or even fly there, but rather exploit the local laws that will allow the company to source flight crews from Southeast Asia and elsewhere. These employees will work on individual contracts without the opportunity to bargain collectively. In this way, NAI plans to undercut American and European carriers currently flying transatlantic routes.

“APFA is working closely with our fellow unions throughout the industry on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as with policymakers in Washington and airline management,” Glading said. “We will continue to push to block NAI’s application and ensure fair competition. We need to keep the pressure on.”