Contact Representative for Flight Attendant Equal Access to FMLA
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Securing Flight Attendant access to the benefits of Family Medical Leave has long been a priority for the Association of Flight Attendants. The arbitration over our right to Family Leave through company policy continues to progress as we fight hard to protect this Contractually negotiated benefit. In addition to this, we have the opportunity to clarify the law so that Flight Attendants have equal access to this federal benefit. But, it will require the participation of every AFA Member to motivate lawmakers to clarify the law for Flight Attendants.
The intent of the original Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was to provide job protected unpaid leave to employees who have worked 60 percent of a full time schedule, for the birth or adoption of a child, to take care of a seriously ill family member or to recover from one's own serious medical condition. However, the courts and federal agencies disregarded that original intent and narrowly defined the "full time schedule" as that of a traditional 40-hour work week, thereby excluding any employee that does not fall with in the traditional 9-5 work day.
Responding to AFA-CWA advocacy, Congressman Tim Bishop (D-NY) introduced legislation on June 15 to clarify family and medical leave eligibility requirements for Flight Attendants. For years, Flight Attendants throughout the industry have found it difficult to qualify for this benefit under the law due to the unique nature of our jobs. Representative Bishop's legislation the "Airline Flight Crew Family and Medical Leave Act, H.R. 2744," would amend the original Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and finally provide Flight Attendants with equal coverage under the law. In other words, Flight Attendants who have been paid or have completed 60 percent of their company's monthly hour or trip guarantee, annualized over a 12-month period, would qualify for FMLA benefits.
Since 1993, the FMLA has benefited so many employees across the country it is only right that we have an equal opportunity to qualify for these benefits. We are calling on every Member to take action in at least two ways. The most powerful way to communicated with your Congressional representative is through written and signed letter. Print the letter posted on our website and fill-in your information. Deliver your letter to your AFA Local Council and we will get it to your Representative. You can also back up your letter with a call to your Representative’s office. And, use the on-line E-Activist campaign to send an e-mail to your representative. Take action now.
In Solidarity,
Greg Davidowitch, President
United Master Executive Council
