Celebrating Our Tradition of Representation

2009 marks the 62nd anniversary of collective bargaining rights for Northwest Airlines Flight Attendants. On September 19th, 1947, Northwest Airlines and the Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Association (the predecessor to AFA) signed their first legally binding contract - a tradition that has endured for over half a century.
Many provisions contained in the first contract have survived through decades of the often volatile airline industry. Over the years, Collective Bargaining Agreements have created the standard for flight attendant pay, rest, and work rules. This progression has changed our profession from a short-term job into a career. On this 62nd anniversary of flight attendants gaining a seat at the negotiating table, we reflect on the accomplishments of past and present union members and activists. Moving forward to become the world's largest carrier, it is our responsibility to those that came before us to carry the torch of collective bargaining rights well into the 21st century.
Today, flight attendants from Northwest and Delta stand together to bring the first contract to our combined group. Our history and collective future of representation is truly momentous.

About AFA

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is the world's largest labor union organized by flight attendants for flight attendants. AFA represents over 55,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines, serving as a voice for flight attendants at their workplace, in the industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill. Simply put, the goal of flight attendants who become part of AFA-CWA is to negotiate better pay, benefits, working conditions and work rules at their airline, and to improve their safety on the job.

AFA-CWA negotiates the best flight attendant contracts in the industry, maintaining and improving wages, benefits and working conditions for flight attendants.

AFA-CWA has strength in numbers and a professional staff to assist flight attendants with workplace, career and interpersonal concerns.

AFA-CWA is a democratic union representing flight attendants at every type of carrier. All AFA-CWA officers are flight attendants who solicit member input on policy and financial decisions.

AFA-CWA is the only flight attendant union solely representing flight attendant's concerns affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the 9 million-member American labor federation.

AFA-CWA shares information and strategies, working in solidarity with flight attendant unions around the world through the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).

"Turbulent Romance" provides more information on the history of AFA.

More information on AFA's departments and how they serve the membership at:

www.afanet.org