The following is from the folks at Freedom force:
more spin ? you decide LOL
afa-CWA loses, yet again.
On May 28, 2008, the National Mediation Board (NMB) counted the votes in the latest bid by the association of flight attendants-Communication Workers of America (afa-CWA) to organize Delta flight attendants. When the votes were counted, only 39% of us stepped forward to support the afa-CWA. It lost again.
While the afa-CWA has started its spin campaign to place the blame on something other than its own ineptitude, the bottom line is that Delta flight attendants clearly stated for a second time that we do not want the afa-CWA on our property.
Notes from the Election
Anyone wonder why the afa supporters were telling you to call the NMB or visit the NMB website even if you did not support a union? Here is the reason. Seventeen votes for a union were counted even though the voters did not indicate that they wanted a union. For example:
· Seven valid votes were counted for “Write-in: silenceâ€
· One vote was counted for “Write-in: Silenceâ€
· Nine votes were counted for “Write-in: NO TEXT WAS ENTEREDâ€
Here are the other contenders in an election that they did not officially enter. The TWU and variations of its name placed second withthirteen votes. The Teamsters received seven. A Delta In-House union received three supporters. The IAM, IUFA, EIG, AFL-CIO, APFA, “We need representation - not necessarily the afa,†“any other organization or individual,â€â€any union except the afa,†each received one vote. ALPA also received one vote, but they already represent us.
The silent, no text, in-house, and all of the votes for the other labor organizations all counted as votes for representation. Had the afa-CWA been close, these votes could have put it over the 50% + 1 threshold.
From NMB Report of Election Results
1 Number of Eligible Voters 13,380
2 Void Votes 16
3 Votes Cast for: Association of Flight Attendants 5253
4 Votes Cast for: Write-in: AFL CIO 1
5 Votes Cast for: Write-in: ALPA 1
6 Votes Cast for: Write-in: APFA of American Airlines 1
7 Votes Cast for: Write-in: An organization or an individual to represent the Delta Flight Attendants 1
8 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Any other organization or individual 1
9 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Any other union except AFA 1
10 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Union 1
11 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Delta Flight Attendant Self Organized 1
12 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Delta's own union 1
13 Votes Cast for: Write-in: EIG 1
14 Votes Cast for: Write-in: FFA 1
15 Votes Cast for: Write-in: IUFA 1
16 Votes Cast for: Write-in: International Association of Machinists 1
17 Votes Cast for: Write-in: NO TEXT WAS ENTERED 9
18 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Representation by Flight Attendant's own organization 1
19 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Silence 1
20 Votes Cast for: Write-in: TWU 6
21 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Teamsters 7
22 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Transport Workers Union 5
23 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Transportation Worker's Union 1
24 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Union of Transportation Workers 1
25 Votes Cast for: Write-in: We need representation, not necessarily with the AFA. 1
26 Votes Cast for: Write-in: in-house representation 1
27 Votes Cast for: Write-in: silence 7
28 Valid Votes Counted (sum of 3 through 27) 5306
In the latest election, fewer flight attendants voted for the afa-CWA than in the 2001 election. In fact, fewer flight attendants voted at all. This may be because there are 5,653 fewer Delta flight attendants than there were in 2001, or it may be that afa-CWA support has fallen.
The chart below summarizes the 2001 and the 2008 vote.
Election Results, 2001 and 2008
2001 Percent 2008 Percent
Date counted February 1, 2001 May 28,2008
Number of Eligible Voters 19,033 13,380
Void Ballots 36 .002 16 .001
Votes cast for the afa 5,520 29.0 5,253 39.0
Votes Cast for other 89 .005 53 .004
Valid Votes Counted 5,609 29.5 5,306 39.7
Just like in its least election defeat, the afa-CWA stated that it will file an interference claim before June 6, 2008. Based on the past experience with afa-CWA allegations, we expect this interference investigation to prove meritless.
THe following is from
The Delta-AFA National Steering Team:
Dear Delta Flying Partners:
Based on the election results certified by the National Mediation Board (NMB) this week, we did not reach the necessary 50% (plus 1) voter turnout required to become members of AFA. We did, however, receive 40% support for our campaign.
We worked as hard as we could to meet our goal, but we faced enormous obstacles: we had to contend with an inflated roster of more than 1,800 flight attendants (who are either leaving Delta or are on extended furloughs) and our request for a more fair and democratic YES/NO ballot was denied by the NMB. We believe the process determined by the NMB rewards apathy and non-participation in the same manner as a Delta flight attendant who has strong feelings for or against representation. When every Delta flight attendant who does not vote is automatically counted as a NO vote, we think it is inconsistent with the democracy we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.
But, enough about the process and these political obstacles. We are writing to talk about the positive things we have accomplished and what we can do to build on that momentum moving forward -- getting a voice at work; a contract; and all the protections we know that will come with being organized.
Even though we were all disappointed after the election results on Wednesday, we quickly pulled ourselves up for an inspirational meeting the next morning with many of the flight attendant leaders at NWA-AFA. We are pleased to tell you that the meeting was very productive and we left with a sense of excitement about working on a mutual campaign with our soon to be colleagues.
Today, a mere day after this meeting, we have already begun to map out plans for the next campaign. This time we will be joining our future flying partners at Northwest who will be sharing with us their years of organizing experience. Northwest flight attendants have earned a solid reputation for their ability to mobilize around workplace issues. They will be bringing to the table their talents, energy and experience to help us build the bridge we need to make the new Delta a success for us all ---and certainly a place where everyone's voice is heard and respected.
So, where do we go from here? First, we are asking for your continued support. With your help we can make sure our next vote is successful - so please continue to wear your AFA pins and bag tags with pride! Next, we need for everyone to become more active in the next campaign. This is particularly important for ATL based flight attendants. This doesn't mean everyone has to be Norma Rae -- it simply means this effort really is in your hands -- we have to each be responsible, informed and connected with the campaign for the duration of the vote. There is no one in Washington DC or MSP doing this for us. We have to do it for ourselves!
Finally, we are looking to build a stronger coalition of new hires and junior flight attendants to join with us this time. It will be the flight attendants near the bottom of our seniority lists (at both Delta and Northwest) who have the most to lose in a merger with no protections and we need more of them sitting at the table with us. Those are just a few of the goals we have discussed -- many more will be published soon.
In closing, we want to thank our 5300 + colleagues who took the time to cast their vote in our election. Despite management's misinformation and scare tactics you were able to think clearly and vote logically. While we may not have reached our immediate goal -- we are a stronger flight attendant workforce because of your participation. Together with our colleagues at Northwest we can be long term winners in an industry that is changing faster each and every day. We are still pro-Delta and pro-AFA; and will keep working to make our company a success with a voice at work that matters!
In unity,
The Delta-AFA National Steering Team
Finally, we are looking to build a stronger coalition of new hires and junior flight attendants to join with us this time. It will be the flight attendants near the bottom of our seniority lists (at both Delta and Northwest) who have the most to lose in a merger with no protections and we need more of them sitting at the table with us. Those are just a few of the goals we have discussed -- many more will be published soon.
This statement cracks me up. Wasn't the AFA the ones who petitioned the NMB (AND WON) to
NOT count their vote? NOW they want to these same new hires to join with them?
more spin ? you decide LOL
afa-CWA loses, yet again.
On May 28, 2008, the National Mediation Board (NMB) counted the votes in the latest bid by the association of flight attendants-Communication Workers of America (afa-CWA) to organize Delta flight attendants. When the votes were counted, only 39% of us stepped forward to support the afa-CWA. It lost again.
While the afa-CWA has started its spin campaign to place the blame on something other than its own ineptitude, the bottom line is that Delta flight attendants clearly stated for a second time that we do not want the afa-CWA on our property.
Notes from the Election
Anyone wonder why the afa supporters were telling you to call the NMB or visit the NMB website even if you did not support a union? Here is the reason. Seventeen votes for a union were counted even though the voters did not indicate that they wanted a union. For example:
· Seven valid votes were counted for “Write-in: silenceâ€
· One vote was counted for “Write-in: Silenceâ€
· Nine votes were counted for “Write-in: NO TEXT WAS ENTEREDâ€
Here are the other contenders in an election that they did not officially enter. The TWU and variations of its name placed second withthirteen votes. The Teamsters received seven. A Delta In-House union received three supporters. The IAM, IUFA, EIG, AFL-CIO, APFA, “We need representation - not necessarily the afa,†“any other organization or individual,â€â€any union except the afa,†each received one vote. ALPA also received one vote, but they already represent us.
The silent, no text, in-house, and all of the votes for the other labor organizations all counted as votes for representation. Had the afa-CWA been close, these votes could have put it over the 50% + 1 threshold.
From NMB Report of Election Results
1 Number of Eligible Voters 13,380
2 Void Votes 16
3 Votes Cast for: Association of Flight Attendants 5253
4 Votes Cast for: Write-in: AFL CIO 1
5 Votes Cast for: Write-in: ALPA 1
6 Votes Cast for: Write-in: APFA of American Airlines 1
7 Votes Cast for: Write-in: An organization or an individual to represent the Delta Flight Attendants 1
8 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Any other organization or individual 1
9 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Any other union except AFA 1
10 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Union 1
11 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Delta Flight Attendant Self Organized 1
12 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Delta's own union 1
13 Votes Cast for: Write-in: EIG 1
14 Votes Cast for: Write-in: FFA 1
15 Votes Cast for: Write-in: IUFA 1
16 Votes Cast for: Write-in: International Association of Machinists 1
17 Votes Cast for: Write-in: NO TEXT WAS ENTERED 9
18 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Representation by Flight Attendant's own organization 1
19 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Silence 1
20 Votes Cast for: Write-in: TWU 6
21 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Teamsters 7
22 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Transport Workers Union 5
23 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Transportation Worker's Union 1
24 Votes Cast for: Write-in: Union of Transportation Workers 1
25 Votes Cast for: Write-in: We need representation, not necessarily with the AFA. 1
26 Votes Cast for: Write-in: in-house representation 1
27 Votes Cast for: Write-in: silence 7
28 Valid Votes Counted (sum of 3 through 27) 5306
In the latest election, fewer flight attendants voted for the afa-CWA than in the 2001 election. In fact, fewer flight attendants voted at all. This may be because there are 5,653 fewer Delta flight attendants than there were in 2001, or it may be that afa-CWA support has fallen.
The chart below summarizes the 2001 and the 2008 vote.
Election Results, 2001 and 2008
2001 Percent 2008 Percent
Date counted February 1, 2001 May 28,2008
Number of Eligible Voters 19,033 13,380
Void Ballots 36 .002 16 .001
Votes cast for the afa 5,520 29.0 5,253 39.0
Votes Cast for other 89 .005 53 .004
Valid Votes Counted 5,609 29.5 5,306 39.7
Just like in its least election defeat, the afa-CWA stated that it will file an interference claim before June 6, 2008. Based on the past experience with afa-CWA allegations, we expect this interference investigation to prove meritless.
THe following is from
The Delta-AFA National Steering Team:
Dear Delta Flying Partners:
Based on the election results certified by the National Mediation Board (NMB) this week, we did not reach the necessary 50% (plus 1) voter turnout required to become members of AFA. We did, however, receive 40% support for our campaign.
We worked as hard as we could to meet our goal, but we faced enormous obstacles: we had to contend with an inflated roster of more than 1,800 flight attendants (who are either leaving Delta or are on extended furloughs) and our request for a more fair and democratic YES/NO ballot was denied by the NMB. We believe the process determined by the NMB rewards apathy and non-participation in the same manner as a Delta flight attendant who has strong feelings for or against representation. When every Delta flight attendant who does not vote is automatically counted as a NO vote, we think it is inconsistent with the democracy we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.
But, enough about the process and these political obstacles. We are writing to talk about the positive things we have accomplished and what we can do to build on that momentum moving forward -- getting a voice at work; a contract; and all the protections we know that will come with being organized.
Even though we were all disappointed after the election results on Wednesday, we quickly pulled ourselves up for an inspirational meeting the next morning with many of the flight attendant leaders at NWA-AFA. We are pleased to tell you that the meeting was very productive and we left with a sense of excitement about working on a mutual campaign with our soon to be colleagues.
Today, a mere day after this meeting, we have already begun to map out plans for the next campaign. This time we will be joining our future flying partners at Northwest who will be sharing with us their years of organizing experience. Northwest flight attendants have earned a solid reputation for their ability to mobilize around workplace issues. They will be bringing to the table their talents, energy and experience to help us build the bridge we need to make the new Delta a success for us all ---and certainly a place where everyone's voice is heard and respected.
So, where do we go from here? First, we are asking for your continued support. With your help we can make sure our next vote is successful - so please continue to wear your AFA pins and bag tags with pride! Next, we need for everyone to become more active in the next campaign. This is particularly important for ATL based flight attendants. This doesn't mean everyone has to be Norma Rae -- it simply means this effort really is in your hands -- we have to each be responsible, informed and connected with the campaign for the duration of the vote. There is no one in Washington DC or MSP doing this for us. We have to do it for ourselves!
Finally, we are looking to build a stronger coalition of new hires and junior flight attendants to join with us this time. It will be the flight attendants near the bottom of our seniority lists (at both Delta and Northwest) who have the most to lose in a merger with no protections and we need more of them sitting at the table with us. Those are just a few of the goals we have discussed -- many more will be published soon.
In closing, we want to thank our 5300 + colleagues who took the time to cast their vote in our election. Despite management's misinformation and scare tactics you were able to think clearly and vote logically. While we may not have reached our immediate goal -- we are a stronger flight attendant workforce because of your participation. Together with our colleagues at Northwest we can be long term winners in an industry that is changing faster each and every day. We are still pro-Delta and pro-AFA; and will keep working to make our company a success with a voice at work that matters!
In unity,
The Delta-AFA National Steering Team
Finally, we are looking to build a stronger coalition of new hires and junior flight attendants to join with us this time. It will be the flight attendants near the bottom of our seniority lists (at both Delta and Northwest) who have the most to lose in a merger with no protections and we need more of them sitting at the table with us. Those are just a few of the goals we have discussed -- many more will be published soon.
This statement cracks me up. Wasn't the AFA the ones who petitioned the NMB (AND WON) to
NOT count their vote? NOW they want to these same new hires to join with them?
