9.07.15 – (LAA/LUS) – Labor Day 2015

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Monday, September 7, 2015

Labor Day 2015

Fellow Flight Attendants,

On this Labor Day, we honor the labor movement and the contributions that employees have made to strengthen our country. Today is a celebration of you, our hard-working Flight Attendant members of the APFA. Our profession has come a long way since the days of racial, marriage, gender, sexual preference, and weight discrimination. It’s because of the unity and fortitude of our members, that we have overcome these challenges over the past 50 years.

Although we have overcome these social obstacles, our industry continues to face other challenges ahead. As you are aware state-owned Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates are aiming to dominate global aviation by exploiting Open Skies policy. This exploitation threatens our US airline industry, airline jobs and the U.S. economy. This goes completely against the fundamentals of the Labor movement in America and the hard work labor leaders have achieved. The U.S. Government must review the subsidies and ensure airline competition is fair. This affects our future and job protections.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. It’s a time to remember, honor and respect all those who rallied, fought, and died in order to secure and safeguard the voting rights of all Americans. These were true leaders of Labor in our country whose actions continue to impact us in our daily lives. Currently, as a member of APFA you have a voting opportunity. Make your voice heard by voting in the Dues Balance Forgiveness Ballot. Voting closes on Thursday, September 10th. For more information visit APFA.org.

As we near Flight Attendant Operational Integration (FOI), your Elected Base Leaders and Committee Chairs continue to fight and represent your best interest every day. Our LUS Flight Attendants have faced many challenges over the past few months with the changeover to PBS. APFA and the Company continue to meet regularly to correct these issues quickly and effectively. A Presidential Grievance has been filed on the Crew Portal and ETB issues faced by LUS Flight Attendants. Also, a Presidential Grievance will be filed on the LUS Jumpseat Weight Restriction being implemented before FOI. Your Joint Scheduling Implementation Committee (JSIC) continues to meet with the Company regularly to implement outstanding Contractual items earlier than FOI for LAA Flight Attendants.

As we reflect back over 100 years to the labor movement, remember, you are the voice of your Union. Together, we as Flight Attendants are advocates for Labor. Together we are APFA.

Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day.

Laura Glading
APFA
National President

Marcus Gluth
APFA
National Vice President

Jeff Pharr
APFA
National Secretary

Greg Gunter
APFA
National Treasurer