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News and Committee Updates

Updated: June 13, 2008

Latest News

2008

Call the Senate Everyday for Equal Access to Family and Medical Leave

Call Congress Everyday for Access to FMLA
12 Questions About the January 3 Iowa Caucuses

2007

Call Your Senators for FMLA Before the Holiday Recess
Labor Dept. Accused of Union Sabotage
Speak up for America's Workers as a Convention Delegate: October 26, 2007 - CWA is encouraging Members to run for seats as delegates of the 2008 Democratic or Republican national conventions to help fight to issues vital for the American worker to be included as part of the parties' platforms and candidates' campaigns.

Redouble Efforts for Equal Access to FMLA: October 26, 2007 - We have tremendous power on Capitol Hill when we make our voices heard and hold our elected representatives accountable. Since 1993, the FMLA has benefited so many workers across the country it is only right that we have an equal opportunity to qualify for these benefits. Let's take this issue off the negotiating table and get the benefits Congress originally intended to provide for all workers.
FMLA Crew Equal Access Senate Bill Introduced: September 18, 2007 - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton introduced legislation in the Senate, S. 2059, to clarify family and medical leave eligibility requirements for Flight Attendants. This legislation is the companion to Representative Tim Bishop's "Airline Flight Crew Family and Medical Leave Act, H.R. 2744."
Provide Your Input on a Presidential Primary Endorsement: September 10, 2007 - The CWA Executive Board will be meeting in mid-September to discuss, among other topics, whether CWA should endorse a candidate for President, and we want your input.
AFA-CWA Testifies for Corporate Bankruptcy Reform: September 6, 2007 - Congress is responding to our advocacy for bankruptcy laws that level the playing field for workers. A hearing titled, "American Workers in Crisis: Does the Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy Law Treat Employees and Retirees Fairly?" took place this morning before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law Oversight.
FAA Reauthorization Update - Bush Threatens Veto: August 28, 2007 - Bush threatens veto of FAA Reautorization Bill unless Congress pulls provisions that maintain current and long-term limits on foreign ownership. Mr. Tilton has long stood with Bush on the issue of allowing foreign ownership and control of U.S. airlines. With the millions that United management spends each and every year to fight our efforts to improve our Members' lives and workplace, we must remain involved in the legislative and political process.
Take Action for Flight Attendant Equal Access to FMLA: July 26, 2007 - Securing Flight Attendant access to the benefits of Family Medical Leave has long been a priority for AFA. FMLA has benefited many employees across the country; it is only right that we have an equal access to these benefits. It will require the participation of every AFA Member to motivate lawmakers to clarify the law for Flight Attendants. We are calling on every Member to take legislative action in at least two ways.
Take Action for Flight Attendant Equal Access to FMLA: June 18, 2007 - Responding to AFA-CWA advocacy, Congressman Tim Bishop (D-NY) introduced legislation to clarify family and medical leave eligibility requirements for Flight Attendants. This legislation, H.R. 2744," would clarify the act to provide Flight Attendants access to a qualification standard similar to workers with a traditional work week.

Local Presidents Lois Breece (DCA Council 21) and Darren Shiroma (LAX Council 12) met with Presidential candidate John Edwards at the CWA Legislative Conference.
Call Your Senators Today for Workplace Safety & Health: May 5, 2007 - It is especially important that the Senator members of the Senate Commerce Committee are urged to take the necessary action to help protect our health and safety.

Keep America's Workers Safe on Memorial Day: Apr 27, 2007 - Tell your senators and representative to co-sponsor the Protecting America's Workers Act, S. 1244 and H.R. 2049. The bill would expand OSHA protections to millions of uncovered workers, enhance whistleblower protections and substantially increase penalties for serious, willful and criminal safety violations. More Information >
Flight Attendants Oppose Backdoor Foreign Ownership Deal: Feb 22, 2007 - Foreign ownership of the United States (US) aviation industry continues to be a pervasive threat and dictates we continue our efforts to protect our vital national industry and profession. More Information >

DOT Awards China Route to United: Jan 9, 2007 - Congratulations! With our support United Airlines has won approval from the DOT for the one additional China route authority available for launch in 2007. This lucrative route between Washington DC and Beijing, brings tremendous opportunity and a better future for Flight Attendants.

2006

DOT Foreign Ownership Rule Withdrawn: DEC 5, 2006 - Good news in our efforts to stop foreign control of U.S. airlines. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has withdrawn the federal rule change that would have permitted foreign interest to control a U.S. air carrier.

Victory Vote for Flight Attendants: NOV 8, 2006 - We helped to achieve extraordinary results in this Midterm Election that put Flight Attendant advocates in leadership positions in Congress.

26 Days and Counting to Change Our World: OCT 11 - The November 7th Midterm Elections are less than four weeks away and for the first time in years we have an opportunity to help elect a Flight Attendant, worker-friendly US House and Senate.

AFA-CWA Rates Congress (251 kb): SEP 26, 2006 - AFA-CWA has prepared a document entitled "AFA-CWA Rates Congress." This is a comprehensive review of the actions of those members of Congress who are all facing re-election to the House of Representatives this fall. The document is based on voting records associated with our jobs. The tally of votes is also included for your careful review prior to voting in this critical election.
Take Action to Win China Route Authority: SEP 13, 2006 - The Department of Transportation (DOT) will award one airline with an additional route authority to China. The stakes are high. Take action now by using our E-Activist Campaign to send letters to the DOT to urge the agency to give United the route authority.
Take Action >

Support Efforts to Achieve Beijing Route Authority: AUG 25 - United is competing with American, Continental and Northwest for the opportunity to add one additional flight to China from the United States. An agreement between the U.S. and China limits the new route authority to one daily flight and only to only those carriers already flying to China. United is specifically requesting approval for a first-ever, capitol-to-capitol route between Washington D.C. and Beijing beginning in March 2007, using a Boeing 747 aircraft.

Senate Committee Votes To Prevent Foreign Control of U.S. Airlines: JUL 21, 2006 - The Senate Appropriations Committee today joined the House of Representatives in rejecting the Administration's plan to allow foreign control of U.S. airlines. Related: United CEO: U.S. Airlines Over-Regulated (Jul 21)

Senate Committee Votes To Prevent Foreign Control of U.S. Airlines: JUL 21 - The Senate Appropriations Committee today joined the House of Representatives in rejecting the Administration's plan to allow foreign control of U.S. airlines.
Related: United CEO: U.S. Airlines Over-Regulated (Jul 21)
Administration Charges Ahead With Foreign Ownership: Jul 7, 2006- U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta, who has resigned his position after five and a half years, stated yesterday that the Bush administration plans to move ahead this summer with its proposal to ease restrictions on foreign investment in U.S. airlines despite strong congressional opposition.
Stop Foreign Control Of U.S. Airlines: Jun 9, 2006 - Tilton urged his friend Speaker of the House Denny Hastert of Illinois to squash protections against foreign ownership of U.S. airlines earlier this week. We will have to act fast and collectively to protect our jobs and the U.S. aviation industry. Call your Representative's office and ask them to co-sponsor the Oberstar-LoBiondo bill, H.R. 4542, in opposition of foreign control of U.S. airlines.
Heroes & Zeroes in Congress (AFA Intl)
Pension Update

2005

Republican Leadership Blocks Vote for Good Pension Legislation: Dec 15, 2005 - In a slick procedural move, the Republican-run Rules Committee voted along strict party lines to prevent the Miller-Rangel substitute to H.R. 2830 from coming up for debate and vote on the House floor.
Call Congress to Restore Our Pensions: Dec 14, 2005 - We need every AFA Member to call your Representative’s Washington DC office immediately. Our message is simple: “Remember United Flight Attendants and support the Miller-Rangel substitute to HR 2830.”

Urge the Senate to Act Now – Before Their Month-Long Recess: July 28, 2005 - Call your Senators today and demand that they act on legislation that preserves our United Flight Attendant pension plan.

About Joe Trippi: May 25, 2005 - Trippi's innovations have brought fundamental change to the electoral system and will be the model for how all future political campaigns are run.
AFA Members, Go to Washington: May 14 , 2005 - Calling all Members and retirees to Washington to support urgent pension termination moratorium legislation.

Congressman Decries Executive Compensation at Bankruptcy UAL: May 3, 2005 - Congressman Inslee (D-WA) wrote a letter to CEO Glenn Tilton, questioning executive compensation even as the company cuts pay, benefits and pensions from employees.
Latest Update: February 2, 2005 - Update discusses State of the Union, Aviation Security Fee Proposed Increase, Department of Agriculture Increases Passenger and Aircraft Inspection Fees, Homeland Security Department, and 109th Congress.
An Invitation From AFA-CWA Government Affairs Director Shane Larson: January 20, 2005 - Attend one of AFA's regional government affairs trainings and learn about why AFA is involved in legislative and political activities, the basics of how government works, the Government Affairs Committees at AFA and how you can play an important role in the process and to fight for your rights as a flight attendant.

2004

Get Out The Vote!: October 14, 2004 - Letter from the MEC Officers urging the Membership to vote.
John Kerry Letter to AFA: October 06, 2004 - Letter sent by Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry to Pat Friend, AFA-CWA International President.
Vote By Absentee Ballot: October 04, 2004 - MEC Government Affairs Chairperson Debbie Golombek reminds us of importance of voting and discusses voting by absentee ballot.
MEC Resolution in Support of Presidential Candidate John Kerry: Aug 25, 2004 - Considering the vital issues related to the election and the potential affect on our job, the MEC unanimously passed a resolution in support of Presidential candidate John Kerry for his positive record on issues critical to our jobs.
Democratic National Convention: Jul 29, 2004 - Link to the Democratic National Convention website.
Are You Registered to Vote?: Jun 9, 2004 - The right to vote can and should be exercised by all United States citizens around the globe – but before you can cast our ballot you must be registered to vote.
Pension Funding Legislation Signed Into Law: Apr 12, 2004 - The Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004, also known as the Pension Stability Act, was signed into law on April 10, 2004.
Important Pension Legislation Expected to Pass Congress Soon: Apr 8, 2004 - The Wall Street Journal reported today that a pension relief bill is expected to clear Congress before the end of the week.
Pension Funding Legislation Update: Feb 17, 2004 - Although the U. S. Senate passed an amended version of H.R. 3108, the Pension Funding Equity bill, last month, by a vote of 86-9, there are still two obstacles to overcome.

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2003

Flight Attendants Will Be Certified: Dec 10, 2003 - After nearly a yearlong battle, Congress recently passed an FAA Reauthorization bill that includes provisions to certify flight attendants for our role as safety professionals.
Senate Declares Pension Legislation Priority for January 2004: Dec 10, 2003 - The U.S. Senate did agree, by unanimous consent, to take up pension legislation as a priority when Congress reconvenes on January 20, 2004 specifically considering the 30-year Treasury bond rate replacement, deficit reduction contribution relief and multi-employer plan relief.

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