WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following statement was issued today by Sonny Hall, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, on the conduct of Delta Airlines management in an election by its flight attendants to gain a voice on the job as members of the Association of Flight Attendants, AFL-CIO.
“Delta Airlines ought to be ashamed of itself. The company spent millions of dollars to silence its flight attendants’ voices in their election to form a union. While 98 percent of those who voted chose the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) as their union representative, lawless corporate behavior thwarted the will of the employees and stifled turnout.
“I am appalled and disgusted at Delta’s conduct in this organizing campaign. Time after time, workers were intimidated against voting for the union and AFA supporters even faced stepped up surveillance of their activities. Worst of all, the flight attendants even reported that Delta exploited workers’ fears and anxieties about the 9-11 national tragedy. The AFA has presented a clear and compelling record illustrating Delta’s outrageous behavior intended to block its workers from forming a union. These tactics are illegal, undemocratic, and a sad reminder of the hostile climate in which far too many Americans must work.
“All these hard working women and men at Delta were asking for was a voice on the job. They were asking for a seat at the table to discuss issues affecting their job security, their safety and their livelihoods. And they were asking for what their fellow flight attendants at every other major carrier have – collective bargaining rights.
“No worker should be denied his or her basic right to freely choose a voice at work. I urge the National Mediation Board to closely review AFA’s charges of unlawful conduct by Delta management and to do whatever it takes to restore these workers’ rights and stop Delta from illegally interfering in the democratic election process.
“The men and women who worked tirelessly to bring a voice to Delta flight attendants should not be discouraged. I urge them not to abandon their efforts, but rather to redouble them, for justice will prevail. Our government now has the duty to condemn Delta’s tactics and to take firm action to restore the rights of Delta flight attendants who desperately want a voice on the job.”
TTD represents 34 member unions in the aviation, rail, transit, trucking, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit www.ttd.org.