Unionize in 7-Steps

Are you flying for a non-union carrier? Do you realize how a democratic union, run by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants will help you and your colleagues?

Step One: Talk to Your Coworkers

We know, sometimes conversations like this can be awkward, especially since we’ve all been trained not to discuss wages and money. But talking to your coworkers is a crucial first step to forming a union. You’ll likely realize that they’re having the same thoughts you are. Strike up a conversation about how you can make your work conditions and environment better and how union representation would help you achieve your goals.

Step Two: Reach Out to Crew Power

Union representatives and pro-union organizations will be your allies throughout the unionization process. Get in touch with someone who’s familiar with negotiating on behalf of flight attendants to get the ball rolling.

Step Three: Start a Committee

With the help of an expert, you and your fellow Flight Attendants will create an organizing committee of leaders who will be the most vocal about unionization. This committee will start reaching out to more employees to discuss current pain points and how unionization could provide solutions.

Step Four: Know Your Rights

Once management catches wind of a union campaign, they’re going to start using every union-busting technique in the book. Don’t worry; the RLA protects your right to organize a union. But it’s essential that you know your rights so you can report any violations to the proper channels.

Step Five: Sign Union Support Cards

 As you bring more people to your cause, you’ll begin signing union support cards. These cards will formally declare your interest in voting on union formation. Once a majority of your coworkers have signed their cards, you’ll submit them to the National Labor Relations Board to request a union election.

Sign an AFA Authorization Card and join together with over 50,000 Flight Attendants from 17 different airlines to lift the Flight Attendant career!

Step Six: Vote

Once enough signed Authorization Cards are received and submitted, the National Mediation Board will set a date for your union election and set parameters for which employees are allowed to vote. On election day, each employee will have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to unionize. If the majority says yes, then your employee must recognize your union.

Step Seven: Negotiate Your Contract

Congrats! Now you get to collaborate with your Flight Attendant Union representatives and coworkers to create your first union contract. You’ll be able to vote on the different sections and vote on the final draft before it’s submitted.

Take the First Steps

If you’re ready to get started with a unionization effort at your airline, we’re here to help! Submit the form below, and one of our representatives will be in touch ASAP.