Flight Attendants Oppose Backdoor Foreign Ownership Deal
March 20, 2007
March 20, 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Bush Administration has done it; they've opened our industry to foreign competitors. Just as European officials expressed some concerns about the rights of their airlines, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has today announced tentative approval of Virgin America's application to operate flights within the United States. The DOT previously rejected Virgin America's application because it could not prove that it was owned and operated by U.S. citizens. It seems to be no coincidence that the DOT's reversed decision comes just days before European officials are set to approve the aviation treaty with the Bush Administration.
The tumultuous times recently experienced in the U.S. aviation industry have resulted in 130,000 fewer airline worker jobs. Those of us who are still employed have endured life-altering sacrifice in the name of industry competition and exploitation of bankruptcy laws. The DOT assertion that its approval of Virgin America's application meets the tenets of U.S. aviation law is yet another corporate-backed sham supported by the Bush Administration to enrich a few at the cost of many, including passengers and our communities.
International AFA-CWA President Pat Friend stated that, "the U.S. aviation market is one of the last, strong domestic industries that has not been invaded by foreign competition, yet our officials seem dedicated to destroying it." She added that Flight Attendants and the rest of the middle class will suffer from the shortsighted vision of the officials.
Introducing foreign competition to our industry just as it is beginning to re-stabilize will ultimately destroy U.S. carriers and drive out competition that initially provides consumers with lower ticket prices. Fares will skyrocket and service to low yield cities may be cut.
Indeed. The recent Industry Editorial recorded by retired AFA volunteer Jerry Butz compares foreign ownership to the middle class disaster caused by NAFTA. The promised "job security and personal prosperity" are "the same arguments that were first trotted out fifteen years ago to sell NAFTA." And fifteen years later what do we have to show for it? "We make less money and that money buys less. Pensions are gone. Workdays are longer. Healthcare is sky-rocketing and millions more are uninsured. This is the American Dream turning to ashes."
You can bet that this aviation treaty with Europe for foreign ownership and the introduction of foreign competition into the U.S. domestic market will be approved by European officials. When that happens later this week, we will be engaged in the fight of our lives to save our jobs. That fight starts now with calls to our Senators and Representatives. Make sure that Congress is not duped by those who would like to profit at our expense. Thank those who support us and enlighten those who do not. Tell Congress to reject the treaty that will destroy a vital American interest, the U.S. aviation industry.
In Solidarity,
Greg Davidowitch, President
United Master Executive Council
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