This week, the United Master Executive Council met in Special session to review the court ruling in the AFA vs. United Airlines case that was filed in District Court in Washington, D.C. and to strategically discuss the next steps for our Union.
The Resolution of Support & Reaffirmation of our Contractual Grievance Process was adopted unanimously. The text of the resolution is provided below.
Association of Flight Attendants, CWA
United Master Executive Council
MEC Conference Call
February 1, 2022
Resolution of Support & Reaffirmation of Contractual Grievance Process
Whereas, the Association of Flight Attendants, CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA-CWA) brought action against United Airlines in the United States District Court for violation of the Railway Labor Act, and
Whereas, the Court has determined the dispute between AFA-CWA and United is a “minor dispute” as defined by the Railway Labor Act, subject to the grievance and arbitration procedures set forth in Section 23 of our Contract, and
Whereas, the Court granted United Airlines motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction, and
Whereas, AFA disagrees with the decision of the Court to do so, and
Whereas, United has indicated it intends to follow through with its plan to interrogate and potentially discipline AFA representatives for their representational conduct, and
Whereas, AFA-CWA objects to the manner in which these investigations are being conducted and the chilling impact these investigations are having on the contractual grievance process, and
Whereas, in a separate communication United management has indicated their intent to pursue the investigation and to potentially discipline Union representatives, and
Whereas, these actions are impacting Members of our Union, some of whom have been duly elected to serve our Union, and
Whereas, an injury to one is an injury to all AFA Members.
Therefore be it resolved, the United Master Executive Council stands in full support of all of our Members and AFA representatives, and
Therefore be it further resolved that our Union will challenge the Court’s decision on jurisdiction, and
Therefore be it further resolved, the United Master Executive Council reaffirms our commitment to our Contractual Grievance process and will continue to dedicate resources in advancing the interests of our Members throughout the entire Grievance process outlined in Section 23 of our Contract, and
Therefore be it further resolved, our Union will stand in solidarity with those who have or will enter the grievance process and will dedicate the necessary resources to defend those improperly charged to the fullest extent under our Contract and the Law, and
Therefore be if further resolved that the AFA-CWA United Master Executive Council will issue an immediate cease and desist of the unlawful investigations into the Union representatives, and
Therefore be it finally resolved, our Union will stand in opposition to any management determined to undermine our hard fought rights as individuals under our Contract or those protected collectively by our Union under the Railway Labor Act.
Unanimously adopted.
February 1, 2022