Sep 7, 2010

United AFA Flight Attendant World-Wide Day Of Action

"Whatever It Takes: Terminal 7 On January 7" AFA Member Feedback

[01.09.10] -- An electrical charge filled the air at United Airlines Terminal 7 at LAX on January 7, 2010. We were filled with the knowledge that our flying partners from our International Domiciles, East Coast, and Midwest locations had started the message that would reverberate for days, weeks and months: "Whavever It Takes!" At LAX, we stood strong with a collective total of 350 United Flight Attendants (from LAX, SFO, JFK, FRA, LHR, NRT), United ALPA Pilots, AFA-CWA Retired UAL F/As, APFA F/As from American, AFA F/As from Northwest (now Delta) & American Eagle, TWU Southwest Airlines, CWA Verizon & AT&T union members, Writers Guild of America-West Exec. Dir. David Young & WGA members, friends & family, and Jim Anderson (United LAX 1K Passenger of the Year)!

We received many messages of support, photos, texts, emails and calls about the day's events from those who attended, and many who were unable to make it wanted to know "what happened?" "How many of us were there?" "What was it like?" We wanted to share first-hand accounts with our colleagues that could not make it to the curb to join us that day, and also share amongst those who were. Here is just a sampling of them for you to share in our experience.....

By AFA Member Linda Toscano-Fountain: As I look back at the pictures that I took on January 7th, 2010 (our AFA Flight Attendant Day of Action), I get chills. "This day will go down in history," I keep thinking to myself! The turnout was enormous. I am so proud of the people that took the time out of their busy lives to show up and walk the line. Some flight attendants that had just landed or were going to work later that day. One of our flying partners, Deana Laban jumpseated all the way from Sydney and joined the line for hours! I saw families show up, pet dogs, babies, friends and supporters like Jim Anderson (LAX 1K Passenger of the Year). We were joined by other unions as well. ALPA, CWA, The Writers Guild of America-WEST, AFA flight attendants from Northwest (now Delta) & American Eagle, members of APFA (the American Airlines flight attendants), rampers, United-ALPA pilots, and union writers. That really moved me because it's hard enough to get the time off for YOUR schedule but here these people took time off from THEIR busy lives to join YOU and YOUR cause. I am so proud to wear my AFA pin today, because now it signifies more than a union, it's part of a family, a BIG family. If you weren't able to attend, we know you were there with us in spirit. Just know you are now part of something big. We won't be stopped; we showed how many of us believe in this fight for our Contract. We are tired of seeing the apathy at United Headquarters. Put money into everything, new leather seats, new offices, new this, new that, everywhere but the front line employees -- The ones who sacrificed so we wouldn't go completely Bankrupt. We have given up ENOUGH and we will do...WHATEVER IT TAKES! Stand strong, wear your AFA pin proudly, and let's continue to support each other in our negotiations!

By AFA Member Scott Ronzello: "An Anniversary to remember!" -- I found myself driving on the I-405 North sorting through mixed feelings regarding the event I was about to become a part of. I began to reflect on the 19 years of my career at United Airlines and the various positions that I have held and enjoyed. My emotions begin to run wild with fond memories, but also a reminder of all the sacrifices made along the way to keep UAL afloat through the rough times of the Gulf war, ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program) round one of pay cuts in exchange for company stock, the "Summer of 2000," September 11, 2001, Bankruptcy, high fuel costs, the economic recession, and moreover an ever changing industry. As the parking lot bus pulled up to United Terminal 7, I found myself immersed in a sea of yellow picket signs held by energy of passion, unity and familiarity. It finally came true! The day I saw hundreds of my flying partners unite in one place, standing tall in support of our union, our career, our Contract, and for what is right and true. We work hard, long hours when we are at work, we take excellent care of our customers and fellow crew (which is innate in all of us), and we remain professional throughout it all. Today was a pivotal point for all of us in the F/A Profession, we stand in solidarity as United, American, Delta and Southwest (and all our other supporters). We must remain informed and in communication; thank you to all who remain engaged! I then found myself southbound on I-405 reflecting on the event with confidence and a smile, but most of all proud to be part of a group of professionals who exemplify determination and will fight for what we believe in, a fair and equitable Contract. It is now our time, the American worker, to have a voice and we have been heard!

By AFA Member Rakiya "Rocky" Jones: I was very proud to see so many Flight Attendants and other supporters join together on January 7th, to fight for our contract! When I saw hundreds of yellow signs, I knew my fellow Flight Attendants were willing to do "Whatever it Takes!" Our message was loud and clear -- "We will not be intimidated by the company's delay tactics with this negotiations." Coming from a non-union state, I can appreciate the power of a union. Now, I have the chance to fight for fairness within my company. While picketing, we encountered many passengers and airport employees who showed their support. They spoke kind words or honked their horns in support of our cause. When one of our passengers fell off the curb while trying to reach her wheelchair, United Flight Attendants were the first to respond, and immediately left the picket line to help. This instinctive act of compassion was an illustration of how passionate we feel about our jobs. We not only enjoy helping people, but we are driven by that instinct to respond. We do not stand by and see a person in need, so why would we just sit by and be taken advantage of by our own company? I believe that many of us realized how powerful we can be when we are UNITED for a cause. Our solidarity is the only true power that we have. I will continue to stand with my fellow co-workers and supporters against the greed of executives and management. It's who I am, and it's what I will do for this job that I love!

By AFA Member Steve Thomas: When I arrived at our LAX "T7J7" (Terminal 7 On January 7) event at exactly 10:30 am, I crossed the parking lot bridge to United Terminal 7 and saw about 150 of my fellow flying partners and other activists below wearing down the pavement with "Whatever It Takes" signage and leaflets. It was a very powerful number, considering it was only the check-in time for the event! It showed me that we are eager to get what we deserve, and that the saying, "Enough Is Enough," was very evident. Within the hour, our "sea of blue" polyester poured from the employee bus and joined us on the curbs to get our message out. Our newest flying partners, some on food stamps, to very senior flying partners, all us who have had our hard-earned pensions discharged in Bankruptcy, and everyone in-between were side-by-side. Our message was loud, clear and precise. I trust that our message will not only benefit us but benefit our Flight Attendant profession as well. Our UNITY did not go unnoticed and the simple fact that our company has not even mentioned the event in any sort of communication shows its power. There is strength in numbers and our UNITY will help us prevail. I am now more than willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES!

By AFA Member Barbara Lewak: Unbelievable turnout - I'm so proud of all my Flight Attendant colleagues! It was truly an amazing sight to see a "sea of blue and yellow" outside United Airlines Terminal 7 at our "Flight Attendant World-Wide Day of Action." Having passengers comment that they support us, and seeing the Writers Guild of America members and the CWA members out there walking with us almost brought tears to my eyes - we are definitely not alone in these negotiations! Together we will succeed - I truly wish each and every Flight Attendant could have experienced all those awesome emotions that we all felt that day! None of this would have been possible had it not been for our awesome leadership at LAX who organized and motivated everyone who showed up on the 7th!



By AFA Member Joseph Anatra: If someone were to ask you where were you on January 7th 2010, how will you answer them? Well as for me I take such pride in my answer, that I was fixing something very important ... My job! I could not believe my eyes that day, over 300 United Airlines Flight Attendants & Pilots, and American Airlines, American Eagle, Northwest, Southwest Flight Attendants, standing shoulder to shoulder in unity. Sending a crystal clear message to our management, that this time we mean business. They say... "New airplanes, new uniforms, new destinations..." Well we say... "It's time for a new Flight Attendant paycheck!" A paycheck that I can live off of, a paycheck that reflects all that we do everyday on board United Aircraft. A paycheck that also reflects all that we risk in this new day and age! We are done with concessions, and will no longer tolerate the utter disrespect to our profession. I am no longer going to be United's punching bag, of "let's see how much more we can take from them." January 7th 2010 was a new day! The beginning of the end to this company's crisis of mistreating their largest employee group. There was no other place I could have been on that day, no excuse of why I could not have been there! I couldn't even begin to imagine how terrible I would have felt with myself because of my personal investment in this fight. There were mothers and grandmothers with their kids and grandkids. There were commuters on their days off, that flew in just for that day. There were Flight Attendants going, and coming off of working flights. There were Flight Attendants on their lunch breaks from their other jobs. Flight Attendants that took the day off from school. Flight Attendants that made the time on their busy day off. Flight Attendants from other airlines. Hollywood writers from the Writers Guild of America, CWA workers from AT&T and Verizon (who are also members of our parent union), Pilots from both United and other airlines. Even one of our 1K passengers! And I was there too, right in the middle shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best people I have ever worked with. I felt a sense of pride that I have not felt in a long time here at United. It’s time to turn a new page. No matter how you feel about our union, it’s ours. We are AFA, and we WILL make it work for us. This time we are going to stick together in UNITY and SOLIDARITY! I was there January 7th 2010, where were you?

By AFA Member Carla Dunnett: On January 6th, I received a FANN e-newsletter with all of the rules and regulations for our Day of Action. I'd been looking forward to attending and had managed to clear my schedule in order to participate and was VERY excited about it all. I think that I was looking at it as a bit of a "social event" with a good cause. Reading the email put everything into perspective -- There were detailed instructions about the event, and what we could expect to see from management. There was also a reminder to not "smile" (for media or cameras) since this was a matter of great seriousness. Suddenly, my plans of a big, fun domicile reunion went down the drain. There was a bigger and more important reason why I was pulling a clean uniform out of the closet on a day off. I was going to unite not only with my friends and flying partners here at LAX but, in spirit with others all over the globe; and we were going to make upper management sit up and take note that we are demanding ample compensation for our sacrifices over the years which kept United Airlines in business during bankruptcy. No more sitting back and watching upper management benefit at our expense -- We demand payback! I still felt the excitement but it was tinged with a bit of nervousness. On the morning of the event, a good friend and fellow flight attendant came by my house and we drove to LAX together. We decided to take a spin by United Terminal 7 to see if things were set up and ready to go. Picketing was scheduled to begin at 11:00am and it was then only 10:30am. The light turned green and we turned left onto the final stretch of the LAX horseshoe and were confronted by a sea of navy blue and yellow! Apparently, there were people even more excited than we were, and they got themselves to LAX earlier and started picketing already! I drove slowly by, honking my horn in excitement, anxious to get the car parked and hurriedly join the growing crowd of flight attendants and supporters. We arrived at the check in table, signed in, picked out some signs and started to walk...  And walk, we did! Some of us in high heels, some of us in more practical inflights. And those lucky members of other unions and airlines who had the luxury of wearing sneakers or boots!  There WAS electricity in the air and everybody felt it as we walked from one end of Terminal 7 to the other end of Terminal 6... Back and forth, passing close friends, familiar faces from flights-gone-by and some new faces who were there to join in the effort. Everybody was SO excited that we, as front-line employees, were finally released to do something so public as to openly and and prominently flood the front of OUR terminal with evidence in our signs and leaflets of our right to a new and greatly improved contract. The hardest thing about the day? It was the struggle to keep the huge smiles off of our faces because of our pride! We were finally able to get out there, help our local union leaders who have been struggling in a much more private forum, march side by side with our friends and coworkers and contribute to a UNITED group of employees demanding change!  Who WOULDN'T smile at just the thought of it! What's next? I'm ready for "Whatever It Takes!" (Especially now that my sore muscles have recovered!)

By AFA Member Wendy Pliego-Glorioso: As United Flight Attendants, we have a lot to protest about. Our pensions have been terminated, we've taken several paycuts, and working conditions have deteriorated. We're forced to do more with less both on the airplane, and in our wallets. Over the past 7-plus years, we've seen the impact that corporate greed has had on our quality of life. We're tired of barely getting by on 1994 wages. And now the Company wants more concessions? "Enough is enough!" We are not going to take it anymore, and yes, we really are steaming mad! Management will see that an industry leading contract is a bargain compared to bad publicity and poor employee relations. I had been planning to participate in our AFA Worldwide Day of Action at LAX for all of these reasons. Activism is about being involved. It can be frustration and anger about something that is unjust too, and doing something about it. Our current wages are clearly unfair given all of our responsibilities as Safety Professionals, not to mention the "shared" sacrifices we have made. I was looking forward to doing something about this by protesting along with my co-workers on January 7th. However, on that one day, I was not feeling particularly angry. I was flying high on a wave of various emotions, and I'll tell you why. Channeling my anger into action, I felt determined. Turning the corner to see hundreds of bright yellow picket signs was exhilarating! Realizing that so many different people had come to support us, I felt encouraged. Seeing so many of my co-workers in one place for the same cause, I felt a sense of community. Walking shoulder-to-shoulder, picketing and chanting in unison, I felt empowered. Working together toward the common goal of an industry leading contract, we were UNITED. Showing management that this is just the beginning of doing Whatever It Takes, I felt proud. Feeling a new sense of energy among our union membership, I felt strengthened. Knowing that our continued efforts will result in an industry leading contract and better quality of life, I feel motivated. Looking forward to the next event, I feel anticipation. It's ON!

By AFA Member Daniel Peccatus: January 7th, 2010. I woke up at my usual time, had breakfast, and started to get ready. It feels odd today, though. In my 15 years with United, this is the first time that I put on my uniform, but am not working a trip. Today is the day we show United that this is exactly what we are; UNITED. (In the back of my mind, I think to myself, "...or at least I hope...") In speaking to my co-workers in the days leading up to today, everyone not working pledged to be there. I pray that as flight attendants, we all realize that if we do not stand united, we will not succeed. At San Diego airport, I board my commuter flight, and I sit near two other colleagues traveling to LAX as well, and I feel invigorated right away. One plane; three Flight Attendants going to stand up for what we believe in. We arrive at LAX and head to the meeting point. I am hopeful, but still very anxious to see if the message has gotten out...and I was in for a surprise. Even though we were early, we are far from being the first ones there. We check-in, grab our yellow picket signs, and start walking right away. People arrive little by little, and the line of marchers gets longer...and longer. The mass of blue and yellow just keeps getting bigger by the minute. It is pure exhilaration! Other supporters (Southwest, Delta/Northwest, American and American Eagle Flight Attendants, United pilots, members of other Unions, etc.) also took the time to come and walk with us today. My hope is that the Flight Attendants not involved in OUR future yet, will now know that it is imperative for ALL to fight for our common goal. We are all exhausted; physically drained, and tired of it all. We work more than ever before, and for less. We are mislead by management on a regular basis, and they need to understand that we will not take this any longer. Using a "bad economy" as the excuse does not fly anymore. We would all (management included) be in the same situation if that was the case. Management needs to know the old saying "you get what you pay for," is and will always be relevant, and we demand respect. I get on the commuter flight to go back home to San Diego. I look back on the past few hours, on the years that we have all given to United, the sacrifices we have made to keep our company alive. I know that we are all grateful to be employed in this critical financial environment, however, we will not be taken advantage of anymore. The amazing turn out and solidarity proved powerful that today. We will do "Whatever It Takes!" to get an industry leading contract and reap the fruit of our hard labor.

By AFA Member Susan Picking: My emotions were mixed after the "Whatever it Takes" picketing on January 7, 2010. I had an overwhelming sense of pride for my fellow flight attendants and my profession. It felt so good to see flight attendants come together with such diverse backgrounds and personal goals in solidarity to make our voices heard. I felt emboldened to know that our union has been working relentlessly to improve our contract, our work rules, our compensation package. I was encouraged to then see a positive and plentiful turnout that represents the changing population of flight attendants, and our changing needs. It was also motivating and powerful that it was done in a proactive and peaceful manner. With all of this encouragement, positivity, and pride, what were my mixed emotions? It is a sadness and bewilderment that company management would undermine a front line workforce that brings a face to their company every day. The faces that smile, serve, assist, protect, and inform the public every day, every night, every flight. To see a sign that we are "Working at 1994 Wages" makes me perplexed that concessions have still been put forth. That is why I had mixed emotions. We are asking for what is FAIR; fair treatment, fair work rules, and fair compensation. WHATEVER IT TAKES!!!

By AFA Member Jason Brock: As the parking lot bus approached LAX United Airlines terminals 6 and 7, myself and the ten or so flight attendants aboard ceased conversation, our attention was suddenly drawn to the curbside ahead. There, between two and three hundred of our fellow flight attendants were marching, along with our brothers and sisters from an array of other airlines and unions. The incredulous weight I've carried in my heart and mind ever since United Airlines management used the bankruptcy process to strip down our contract was lifted. I was reminded in that moment that I'm not alone in my frustration over executive's decisions to take millions in bonuses and raises after all of the employee groups were forced to make numerous life-altering contract concessions in a sincere effort to save "our" airline. Management's over-inflated view of their value and its complete lack of respect or appreciation for the front line employees has become clearer through the concessionary nature of their contract proposals. More Concessions?!! I've known for a long time from talking to my co-workers that we were collectively mad as hell, but I now know that we are not going to take the mistreatment anymore. Our clear showing of solidarity both at LAX and around the world on January 7th, 2010 has renewed my faith in our ability to unite for change. I've since heard from so many F/As that couldn't make it, how disappointed they were (that they couldn't), as well as thankful, that so many did show up to represent our cause. United Airlines management has been put on notice. We are United, and we will do Whatever It Takes to get the industry leading contract that we deserve!

By AFA Member David Gomez: As one of your FANN (F/A Negotiations Network) Captains here at AFA Los Angeles Council 12, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all my fellow United flight attendants who showed up to support our AFA Contract Negotiations on January 7, 2010. There is no doubt in my mind we made history on that day. A few days after the event I am still fired up and so proud of my AFA flying partners across the system. What an amazing show of unity when 350 flight attendants, other union supporters, and family/friends came out to show management we are serious. Seeing flight attendants in uniform with our AFA union pins on was a sight! Needless to say, it was very impressive to watch a mass of navy blue uniforms holding yellow signs, truly a priceless moment and experience for me and our coworkers there. For those of you who were not able to attend, I encourage you to get involved in the process. We need you, it is time to come and join your AFA brothers and sisters in the fight for not just a Contract, but an industry leading one. We need to show United management that "Enough is Enough," and we won't be intimidated by their tactics of delay and stall. We as a group refuse to accept concessions in our Contract. Also, if you are not yet part of FANN (Flight Attendant Negotiations Network) please visit our MEC website at unitedafa.org and become a member. It is the best way to stay informed about what's going on with our Contract Negotiations (this is a separate list from our E-Lines E-Newsletter). Please do not listen to vicious rumors or Company propaganda and spin. Just remember we will do Whatever It Takes!! See you all at the next event!!

By AFA Member Kaia Heide: Thursday, January 7th "Terminal 7 On January 7" (AFA Day of Action Event) was a day of solidarity, principles and empowerment. It was an honor to share this day with fellow co-workers and like-minded workers. It was truly a monumental turn out, and Los Angeles didn't disappoint! It was a thrill to realize that our singular voices can unite to create a larger, more powerful common voice (and as one union) on behalf of all flying partners so that management understands clearly that we will not accept additional concessions or cuts to our 7-plus years of cost savings we gave back to save our company. Our executives and management did not take concessions (in fact, they reaped bonuses and raises both during AND after bankruptcy), so why should we be expected to continue to work under concessions? "Shared sacrifice, shared rewards" was what we were told. We have been taken for granted for far too long. But not this time -- we WILL be heard, and on January 7, 2010, we WERE heard! We took a stand, and said loud and clear: "We deserve better!" This is not a belief we think to be true, but rather a fact we know to be true!

By AFA Member Marty Bierbrier: What amazed me the most, aside from the sheer numbers that represented at our curbside event, was the range of years of service among our ranks. We had some of our most-senior members, and some of the most-junior members in the entire system bonding together for one similiar cause; the betterment of our flight attendant profession, and to stand behind our AFA MEC Negotiating Committee. It was so inspiring to be there, and witness it first-hand... Also, in the past, you'd be hard pressed to get that many members to come out at the same time on the same day. Seeing 350 professional United Flight Attendants marching in solidarity, and in a united display with our supporters brought it all home; that we have finally had enough and were going to truly doing something about it this time.

Want to send your friends, family, and others to our Facebook support page? Click this link for a direct link to the "United Airlines Flight Attendant Contract Negotiations" Facebook Fan Page, or have them search for the support page and ask them to "Become A Fan" of the page to support our negotiations! There are over 2,100 "Fans" supporting our negotiations there already!

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES HERE! Submit your first-hand account with your fellow Flight Attendants who were not able to join us on the picket line at LAX! Send us your story (and a photo of you on the picket line) via email at afalax@unitedafa.org. This page will continue to be updated, so check back often!

PHOTO PAGE FROM UNITEDAFA.ORG: Click here for AFA World-Wide Day Of Action Photos! >>

Copyright © January 2010 - AFA-CWA Council 12 Los Angeles. All Rights Reserved.

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