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AFA, Leading the Profession

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA , AFL-CIO, is a union organized by flight attendants to act as their voice in the workplace and advocate on their behalf in the airline industry, in the halls of Congress and in the Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, the FAA, TSA and Administration. AFA-CWA represents 55,000 flight attendants at 20 air carriers. Our carriers serve all aspects of the aviation industry from commuter to international travel. As the largest flight attendant union in the world, AFA-CWA is the leading advocate in many areas affecting aviation safety and flight attendant working conditions.

The union, which eventually became the

Association of Flight Attendants, was originally founded in 1945 and later became part of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). In 1973, the flight attendant leadership voted to make AFA autonomous from ALPA. Two years later, AFA was first certified as a collective bargaining agent for flight attendants and in February, 1984, the union was chartered by the AFL-CIO.

Responding to the Challenges

Through AFA's leadership, progress has been made to improve flight attendants' workplace. In 1994, the FAA, recognizing that flight attendants are responsible for performing essential tasks affecting safety, issued regulations limiting flight attendant duty time and requiring periods of rest. This came after a 20 year fight by AFA to limit flight attendants duty time and require adequate rest.

In 1990, AFA was successful in banning smoking on almost all domestic flights. This effort brought a healthier and safer cabin for both flight attendants and passengers. In 1996, AFA successfully fought for an end to the FAA's dual mission to regulate and promote the airline industry. And in 2000, AFA won victories including whistle blower protection for aviation workers, increased penalties for assaulting crewmembers, a study of cabin air quality and an international smoking ban.

A Changing Profession

When skygirls or stewardesses were first hired in the 1930's, they were considered temporary employees. To be hired and keep their jobs, they could be no older than 32 and weigh no more than 115 pounds. At first, they were also required to be registered nurses. Stewardesses received low wages and enjoyed few benefits or job rights while flying 100 hours per month. The average career lasted one or two years.

Today, things are much different. Pioneers among working women, flight attendants fought in the courts and at the bargaining table to win respect as safety professionals,

improve salary and working conditions, and make the job a long-term career. The average flight attendant is now in her/his thirties or forties; 60 percent of AFA-CWA members are married; 40 percent have dependent children; and 16 percent are men. More than 30 percent of AFA-CWA members have completed a four-year college degree, compared with 20 percent of the general population. The average flight attendant who has been working for more than 10 years, earns between $25,000 to $35,000 a year. More than 85 percent of AFA members are registered voters.

Looking To The Future

The flight attendant profession began as an airline marketing tool -- today it is a well-respected career

choice for women and men seeking challenge and responsibility. Members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, have been at the forefront of this metamorphosis from ad gimmick to safety professional.

The flight attendant of today is a capable committed safety professional. As the largest flight attendant union in the world, our goal is to ensure flight attendants have every opportunity for satisfying, rewarding, professional careers, guaranteeing not only our current members' quality of life, but that of our future members and flying partners.