Eagle Union Leaders join AFA to Lobby
Congress
On November 17, 2005 John
Grace, MEC Health and Safety Chair, and John Carlos
Metidiere, MEC Government Affairs Chair for American
Eagle had the opportunity to join dozens of AFA Flight
Attendants in Washington, DC to lobby Congress regarding
three very important issues. After attending a morning
briefing at AFA Headquarters, I joined two Flight
Attendants from United and US Airways on Capitol Hill,
where we visited 8 congressional offices and
participated in a press conference. There were roughly
20 teams like mine walking the halls of Congress.
Here is a breakdown of the
issues that we discussed with House and Senate members:
1) TSA is in the process of revising the
prohibited items list used by checkpoint personnel. TSA
believes that pocketknives, box cutters, throwing stars,
and other potential weapons no longer constitute a
threat to the flying public. TSA also believes that time
could be saved at checkpoints by allowing these items.
Obviously, AFA is opposed to allowing these items on
board and we wanted our elected leaders to send a
strongly worded letter to TSA against such a plan.
2) The DOT is preparing to pave the way for
foreign ownership of US air carriers by allowing
controlling interest through regulation. This is an
attempt by the administration to circumvent
congressional oversight of the US aviation
industry by simply making a regulation rather than
allowing Congress to consider appropriate legislation.
This is an important issue in many ways to the aviation
industry, aviation employees, and the process of
government. AFA is opposed to foreign ownership for many
reasons, not the least of which is the possibility of a
foreign carrier controlling a major US airline, stripping away the lucrative
international routes – taking away thousands of jobs –
and further crippling the
US airline industry. AFA lobbied
Congress to oppose DOT on this issue with a formal
letter.
3) Northwest Airlines is attempting to outsource
Flight Attendant jobs on international flights, using
cheaper foreign labor in overseas domiciles. AFA is
opposed to this development not only for the loss of
thousands of Northwest Flight Attendant jobs, but also
for the likelihood that other bankrupt carriers would
petition the courts for similar provisions. AFA
supported a Congressional letter to the Northwest Board
of Directors expressing opposition to this plan.
We were well received in
every office we visited, though not every office agreed
with us on every issue. I was particularly pleased after
discussing the subject of foreign ownership with a
Congressman’s Chief of Staff (who seemed in favor of
foreign ownership) to receive a phone call later in the
afternoon from the Congressman’s office stating that
they were going to sign on to the congressional letter.
Walking the halls of
Congress was very rewarding. In spite of the helpless
feeling that I share with most people when it comes to
politics, I saw firsthand that making your voice heard
can actually be very effective – even on Capitol Hill!
The office staffers were genuinely pleased to see us,
and they listened attentively. They asked pertinent
questions and took notes, and it was clear that our
efforts were appreciated. Hearing directly from ‘the
people’ makes a lasting impression and was well worth
our efforts.
In the end, we obtained
over 185 signatures from our elected officials opposing
these various issues and the event was considered a
great success. I would strongly encourage any AFA member
with an interest in the issues that face our industry to
join the Government Affairs Committee. You really can
make a difference!
In solidarity,
The American Eagle Master
Executive Council
By: John Grace
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