Why Choose a Career as a SkyWest Flight Attendant?
Becoming a Flight Attendant is an exciting career choice. It offers opportunities to travel, meet new people, enjoy a dynamic work environment, and fly with amazing coworkers. We look forward to flying with you at SkyWest Airlines and having you join our SkyWest AFA campaign!
We are working to establish our own SkyWest AFA Flight Attendant Union, which will make SkyWest a better place to work for everyone. From the newest to the most senior among us, it’s more important than ever that we have real representation. Our union is not a third party; it is us, and it will be run by SkyWest Flight Attendants for SkyWest Flight Attendants.
If you're considering joining SkyWest Airlines, it's essential to understand the challenges of working for a historically anti-union company that currently promotes a management-controlled organization known as the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA). Here's why supporting the SkyWest AFA (Association of Flight Attendants) campaign at SkyWest is crucial for securing better working conditions and job protections.
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SkyWest's Anti-Union Stance
SkyWest Airlines has a long history of resisting unionization efforts among its employees. Instead of supporting a legally recognized collective bargaining representative, SkyWest has established and funded the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA), which it claims represents its flight attendants. However, SIA has never been elected by the Flight Attendants, nor has it been certified by the National Mediation Board as the exclusive bargaining representative. This setup violates the Railway Labor Act (RLA) principles, which protects airline employees' rights to organize and choose their representatives free from employer interference.
Why the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA) Falls Short
Management Control: SkyWest management funds and controls SIA, undermining its ability to genuinely represent Flight Attendants' interests. This includes covering all operational expenses and salaries of SIA officers who do not work as Flight Attendants while in office.
Lack of Independent Representation: SIA operates as an extension of SkyWest management rather than an independent body advocating for Flight Attendants. Former SIA insiders have reported that management dictates what SIA can request during negotiations, rendering it ineffective in securing meaningful improvements for employees.
Questionable Election Practices: SIA's elections have been marred by allegations of manipulation and lack of transparency, further diminishing its credibility as a legitimate representative body.
The Importance of the SkyWest AFA Campaign
The SkyWest AFA campaign seeks to establish an independent union to provide the robust representation and legal protections that Flight Attendants deserve. Here are some key reasons why supporting this campaign is vital:
Legal Protections Under the RLA: A union certified under the Railway Labor Act can negotiate binding collective bargaining agreements that cover crucial aspects of employment, including wages, working conditions, and dispute resolution procedures. This legal framework ensures that Flight Attendants have a formal process to address grievances and terminations and protect their rights.
Fair Representation: Unlike the SIA, which is beholden to SkyWest management, AFA is an independent organization dedicated to representing the interests of Flight Attendants. This means advocating for better pay, improved working conditions, and job security without the conflict of interest inherent in a company-controlled association.
Protection Against Retaliation: The recent termination of two SkyWest Flight Attendants, Shane Price, and Tresa Grange, for identifying SIA election irregularities highlights the risks employees face without proper representation. With AFA, Flight Attendants would have the backing of a strong union to defend against such retaliatory actions and ensure their voices are heard.
Join the Movement for a Better Future
Supporting the SkyWest AFA campaign is about more than just forming a union; it's about securing a future where Flight Attendants are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. By joining forces, we can significantly improve our working lives and ensure that SkyWest Airlines is a place where employees are valued and fairly represented.
Request an information package for more information on how you can support the SkyWest AFA campaign and join the movement for a better workplace. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all SkyWest Flight Attendants.
Check out our Life Lines support program for SkyWest new hire Flight Attendants.