5.23.24 – Illegal Work Slowdowns, Stoppages, And Other Concerted Activity Under The Railway Labor Act

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Illegal Work Slowdowns, Stoppages, and Other Concerted Activity Under the Railway Labor Act

Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), we are prohibited from resorting to “self-help” until the National Mediation Board officially releases us and after the thirty-day cooling-off period concludes. More specifically, the RLA imposes an affirmative duty on APFA and its members to maintain the status quo and make every reasonable effort to avoid any interruption to American’s operations. APFA does not support or condone our members’ participation in or encouragement of any illegal work actions, which includes, by way of example only, a work slowdown/stoppage or concerted action of refusing to pick up open trips.

As you are aware, the current status of negotiations has prompted a substantial number of communications from your union representatives and discussions amongst our work group. Often, these communications and discussions include statements such as “fly safe,” “follow your contract,” and “fly the contract.” While we encourage you to stay informed and engaged, such phrases should never be construed or viewed as promoting or suggesting a work slowdown/stoppage or any other type of illegal concerted job action.

Over the last few decades, unionized workgroups across the airline industry have faced legal action for engaging in unauthorized work slowdowns/stoppages or otherwise disrupting a carrier’s operations by engaging in illegal concerted job actions. Additionally, individual flight attendants can be disciplined and/or terminated for participation in an unauthorized work slowdown/stoppage or otherwise disrupting American’s operations by engaging in illegal concerted job actions. As such, APFA would never put individual flight attendants or our union at risk by engaging in or encouraging any such illegal job actions.

We have a path to reach an agreement that involves sending a clear message to the Company that 27,000 Flight Attendants are fired up and ready for a contract. Please do not jeopardize yourself or our collective efforts by advocating for or engaging in unauthorized or illegal activities.