Worker Power Update

Protecting Frontline Workers from Abusive Passengers

Several AFA-CWA Flight Attendants joined law makers, other union members, and supporters on Wednesday at a press conference announcing the introduction of the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, new legislation that includes real consequences for those convicted of assault against crew members, ground service service agents, or passengers. The new bipartisan legislation would create a system-wide no-fly list for abusive passengers to hold offenders accountable. “Strong penalties are needed to curb violent and unacceptable behavior onboard. Bad behavior shouldn’t fly, we urge Congress to pass this bill immediately,” said Cher Taylor from AFA-CWA Local 23087 who spoke at the press conference and shared her own painful experience with a violent passenger.

“Front line workers, who are vital to our air travel, including tens of thousands of CWA-represented Flight Attendants and ground service agents working across airports in the nation do not deserve the uninterrupted level of violence they have been experiencing at the hands of unruly passengers, who often get away with it,” said CWA President Chris Shelton in a press release. “We applaud our elected leaders for answering our call for meaningful federal action to effectively address the increase in physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse these essential workers constantly experience. We will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure the passage of this legislation into law, which is critical to the safety of workers and passengers and the health of the entire airline industry.”

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CWA Members in Ohio Fight Against Harmful Legislation

CWA members, other union members, and community members in Ohio are mobilizing to block multiple undemocratic and anti-worker pieces of legislation. Last Wednesday, CWA Local officers, activists, and staff from across the state attended hearings on HJR 1, a bill that would change Ohio's constitution to make it harder for citizens to exercise their voice at the ballot box, and SB 83, a higher education overhaul which would bar public employees, including CWA members, from going on strike at Ohio's public colleges and universities. The activists flooded the hearing room in opposition to these harmful bills that would give special interests, lobbyists, and anti-worker politicians more power to pursue their agenda.

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CWA Endorses Cherelle Parker for Mayor of Philadelphia

CWA has endorsed Cherelle Parker for Mayor of Philadelphia. Parker is a former State House and City Council member with a proven track record of advocating for working families. “Throughout her career in public service, Cherelle Parker has stood with CWA members and fought alongside us at the Statehouse, in the City Council, and on the picket line. We are proud to endorse her for Mayor of Philadelphia,” said Ed Mooney, Vice President of CWA District 2-13, in an announcement on Monday. “Like us, she understands that union membership is the best way for working people to boost their wages and improve their working conditions, and that good, family-supporting union jobs are the backbone of Philadelphia’s economy.”