Need for Flight Attendant Unionization Increases

Unions are gaining popularity once again as workers realize that greedy executives are creating fortunes at employees’ expense. 

And while the more recent examples of attempts to unionize (like the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, AL) seem like the same script we’ve read a thousand times, more workers are getting fed up with the status quo.

We’re finally seeing more people become aware of union-busting tactics big companies employ, and this awareness puts the power back in workers’ hands. Too many business plans rely on the management having unilateral authority to adjust pay, work rules, and benefits. And it’s becoming clearer each day: enough is enough.

It’s no different for flight attendants. 

Union Protections Needed More Than Ever

Disruptive passengers and greedy executives have flight attendants at some carriers—especially non-union ones—getting attacked from all sides. As a result, more Flight Attendants are turning to their unions or launching campaigns to create a union at their airlines.

Even though they operate flights for major carriers, flight attendants at regional airlines receive 45% less pay and benefits than those at major airlines. This is an outrageous pay gap, and truthfully, our Flight Attendants deserve better. 

And while things sometimes seem bleak with the union-busting tactics big companies use, there is hope that change is possible to gain control over your career and improve your future.

No matter what an executive tells you, unions are good for employees.

Half the battle is recognizing the signs of union-busting. The only reason that greedy executives don’t want you to form a union or get your union involved is that it reduces their profit. God forbid they make a tiny bit less so their hardworking employees can have a living wage.

And to that point, the phrase “living wage” is considered a pro-union term. Many managers are trained to recognize and report employees who they overhear talking about a “living wage.” Of course, there are other pro-union hot words, but it’s ridiculous that the idea of a living wage is made out to be a dirty phrase.

Of course, it’s illegal for your manager to fire you for being pro-union or trying to rally more people to your cause. But many executives will use scare tactics such as threatening job loss to workers who talk about unionizing. 

Or they’ll make unions seem like the ones taking advantage of the workers. They frame their company environment as a “family.” Still, they would rather pay union-busting law firms to help them legally keep unions out of the workplace instead of paying their employees a decent wage. 

For instance, one of Delta’s more recent campaigns showcased posters that claimed, “Union dues cost around $700 a year. A new video game system with the latest hits sounds like fun. Put your money towards that instead of paying dues to the union.” 

And while this poster was used as an example for a union-busting segment on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the poster wasn’t something created for dramatic effect. Delta actually posted this for employees to see. 

Delta’s “Don’t Risk It, Don’t Sign It Campaign” attempts to keep Flight Attendants from unionizing. Delta encourages its employees to “Be Different, Be Delta,” but as Delta’s AFA points out, “The real Delta Difference is in the hearts of flight attendants.”

Delta’s AFA isn’t pulling punches as they outline the whole truth about their fight to get Delta flight attendants the pay and benefits they deserve. 

Delta is making a big fuss about $700 in union fees. But honestly, with the wage increases that unionization would give to flight attendants, paying that $700 won’t be as much of a hit from your paycheck. So, as Delta asks, “What does $700 mean to you?” Would you rather pay $700 a year to earn a living wage or in the case of regional airline Flight Attendants continue to receive about 45% less than what you deserve?

The good news is that the government is trying to help protect employees from union-busting maneuvers with the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021. Initially introduced by Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA-3), the bill was passed in the House in March 2021.

The Act would make it illegal for employers to force workers to attend captive audience anti-union meetings or use other unfair tactics to dissuade workers from unionizing. Whether you’re in a union or you want to start the conversation with your coworkers about unionizing, you can contact your senators and voice your support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.

Delta flight attendants aren’t the only ones who have the right to unionize. The Association of Flight Attendants(AFA) is an incredible resource for all flight attendants. Led by powerhouse Sara Nelson, they’re tirelessly working to Bridge the Gap and end discriminatory wage and work rule policies.

This parody video humorously (funny, not funny) explains how Delta views attempt by Flight Attendants to unionize.

The AFA is there to help you assuage any concerns you have with unionizing. You deserve better, and as Delta’s signs say, “It’s your money, don’t you think you should keep it?” But they left out the part where they’re the ones withholding the wages and treatment they owe you.

Big corporations are scared. Like a child who knows they’re in trouble, they’re acting out because they don’t want you to take advantage of the knowledge that’s rapidly spreading. Don’t back down. Hold your ground, and push for the rights you earn every day you dedicate yourself to safe flights.

Join the community of Flight Attendants that are fighting for fair representation. Sign your card and take action. Together, we can make a change.