On November 13, 2019 Component Health and Safety Chair, Jordan Bray-Stone, and Component Mobilization and Engagement Chair, Nicola Schnell, attended the Coalition of Flight Attendants meeting in Dallas, Texas. The Coalition meets under the loose mandate of discussing collective goals and issues of mutual interest. APFA, the union representing the cabin crew at American Airlines Mainline, hosted the meeting and the five other unions that represent most US-based Flight Attendants were in attendance along with Air Canada Component of CUPE.
Some of the issues discussed included bargaining updates, uniforms, 737 max, air quality, secure stowage for crew belongings onboard, alcohol and drug policies, fatigue and how seat pitch affects evacuation times.
Of special note was the guest speaker Doctor Susan Michaelis. She is a former pilot for an Australian airline who is now recognized as a leading global aviation health and safety consultant and researcher in the field of aircraft contaminated air supplies and hazardous substances. She is passionate about the health of aircrew in relation to fume events. The under-reporting and lack of information about this topic and how it negatively affects our members health is very concerning. Your Component Health & Safety Committee will be issuing a bulletin shortly with more information on this subject.
The meeting was a great success and we were welcomed by our American flight attendants. At a time when workers’ rights seem to be under constant threat, the solidarity exhibited by the group was encouraging. We are very thankful to the APFA for hosting this valuable event and look forward to continued collaboration on the many issues affecting our industry.
In Solidarity,
Jordan Bray-Stone
Chair, Health & Safety Committee
Nicola Schnell
Chair, Mobilization and Engagement Committee