AFA Pledges Solidarity With Flight Attendants at Envoy, Demands American CEO “Treat All Employees Equally”

Union representatives from 18 airlines unanimously voted to approve a resolution calling on American Airlines management to change the way Envoy Air flight attendants are treated.

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), the largest flight attendants union in the world, has announced a resolution demanding that management at American Airlines Group treat Envoy Air flight attendants more like their counterparts at the carrier’s mainline operations. American Airlines, US Airways and Envoy Air are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of American Airlines Group, but the AFA contends that flight attendants at Envoy are not dealt with in the same good faith manner as employees at the two recently merged legacies.

The AFA’s statement specifically calls out American CEO Doug Parker and Envoy President Pedro Fabregas, urging the pair to work together to offer relief for flight attendants affected by a recent string of base closures.

“Closures in Los Angeles, Miami, San Juan, and now New York City have displaced hundreds of Flight Attendants, uprooted them from their families and friends, and without any consideration from the AAG management team,” said Robert Barrow, Envoy AFA MEC president. “We’re calling on American CEO Doug Parker and Envoy President Pedro Fabregas to act in the best interest of the airline and its dedicated employees by providing reasonable opportunities for Flight Attendants at Envoy Air.”

The statement concedes that American and US Airways flight attendants have benefited from a new joint contract, but asserts that Envoy cabin crews have not shared in the wealth, noting:

[American Airlines Group] is making record setting profits, but yet refuses to honor their frontline employees’ contributions to the success of the Envoy operation. While Doug Parker announced a 4 percent wage increase for Flight Attendants and other employees working American’s mainline operation, the Flight Attendants serving the same passengers for American Eagle at Envoy have been asked for cuts from their contract.

The resolution, unanimously approved by the AFA board, affirms the support for flight attendants at Envoy and calls for “equal treatment, an option of a Voluntary Separation Package, and that management stop their heavy-handed actions towards employees and their hard-earned collective bargaining rights.”

FlyerTalk reached out to American for comment. In an email response, an airline representative stated:

Envoy currently has no desire to reduce flight attendant staffing and is offering flight attendants the opportunity to continue their career with the airline. While Envoy consolidates its flying in its two largest hubs, it offers move packages and allows commuting. The company hopes its New York-based flight attendants will take those opportunities to remain with Envoy.

[Photo: iStock]