Tue, Jan 10, 2012
Would Be Represented By The AFA-CWA
In less than a month, a large majority of Aer Lingus Flight
Attendants mobilized to unify their work group for union
representation with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA,
AFL-CIO (AFA). The union filed the signed authorization cards
seeking AFA representation with the National Mediation Board (NMB)
on Friday.
"The U.S. based Flight Attendants working for Aer Lingus perform
the same essential first responder duties as their Irish
counterparts and 25,000 United Flight Attendants, without the same
pay, benefits and work rule protections afforded by a legally
binding contract. This joint venture was dreamed up by
management for the sole purpose of avoiding the legal obligations
of a contract and a commitment to workers. It is a failed
labor model and the U.S.-based Aer Lingus Flight Attendants are
making that clear today by calling for an election to gain a voice
at work and the right to collective bargaining," said AFA
International President Veda Shook.
"We are excited to gain democracy and the right to collective
bargaining at work, just like our counterparts who are based in
Ireland. Aer Lingus operates differently than most U.S.
airlines – it is a European Carrier. Our Irish-based
flying partners have been happily unionized for many years and the
collaborative worker/management relationship is a benefit for
everyone. We, 'Unite Aer Lingus IAD,' look forward to the
same benefits at work: collaborating on improvements that will
benefit our airline and Aer Lingus Flight Attendants," said AFA
supporters at Aer Lingus.
In 2009, Aer Lingus Limited and United Airlines entered a joint
venture for a flight between Washington, DC and Madrid. Aer
Lingus employs the workers based in Washington, DC.
Shay Cody, General Secretary of IMPACT, the union that
represents Flight Attendants at Aer Lingus in Ireland and England
sent the following statement to AFA, "I am writing to convey the
full support of the IMPACT Trade Union for your organizing drive
for Aer Lingus Flight Attendants based in Washington Dulles."
"The right to join a union is a human rights issue that is
understood around the world," Shook said.
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