Delta flight attendants vote not to join union
By KELLY YAMANOUCHI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/28/08
 
Delta Air Lines flight attendants chose to remain non-union in a vote that concluded Wednesday.

In the vote on whether to join the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA union, 5,253 of 13,380 eligible voters cast "yes" ballots, well short of the majority required, the National Mediation Board said. Employees who don't vote are counted as "no" votes. A total of 5,306 ballots were cast.

It was the second time in this decade that a flight attendant union drive failed. An earlier drive was defeated in 2002.

But the latest vote comes as Atlanta-based Delta works toward a planned merger with Northwest Airlines, which brings some uncertainty for the airline's employees.

The AFA represents more than 55,000 flight attendants at 20 other airlines. Because Northwest's roughly 8,000 flight attendants are already represented by the AFA, the National Mediation Board is expected to schedule a second election after the merger where flight attendants of the combined carrier would vote on whether to be represented by the AFA. That election is expected to happen in early 2009. (read more)

Attendants at Delta request vote to join labor union
A potential merger between Northwest and Delta may provide an incentive to choose union representation. By LIZ FEDOR, Star Tribune
Last update: February 12, 2008 - 9:48 AM

Since Delta Air Lines began flying passengers nearly eight decades ago, the airline's flight attendants never have been part of organized labor.

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"We are not surprised by the AFA's intent to file for an election, because Delta flight attendants represent more than $6 million in annual dues that would go straight into the AFA's bank account from our employees' paychecks," said Delta spokeswoman Gina Laughlin.

In response, Campbell said, "We are not motivated by money or greed. We are an organization run by and for flight attendants and we exist to protect and advance our profession." (read more)