Frontier flight attendants picketing for new contract at Atlanta airport
Frontier flight attendants picket at airport
Frontier flight attendants say management is refusing to negotiate over the impact of the airline's new ''out-and-back'' business shift.
ATLANTA - Dozens of Frontier flight attendants will hit the picket line at the Atlanta airport on Wednesday to call for betting contracts and working conditions.
The demonstration at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is part of the first nationwide Frontier Day of Action.
In September, the Frontier flight attendants, who are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), voted 99.6% to authorize a strike. More than 92% of union flight attendants participated in the vote.
The union claims airline management is refusing to negotiate over the impact of the recent business model change that is affecting flight attendants.
"Frontier Flight Attendants are struggling to earn a living because of management’s new ‘out-and-back’ model. The impact of this change has turned our lives and our paychecks upside down," said Jennifer Sala, AFA Frontier President. "The harm is real and happening right now. We’re ready to do whatever it takes to bring management to the table."
According to the union, flight attendants are facing more "out-and-back" flights with few overnights, meaning fewer opportunities for per diem stipends and more commuting expenses.
"Frontier management is putting their ‘cost savings’ plan on Flight Attendants’ backs. It’s a gross example of corporate greed that devalues the contributions of these Flight Attendants to the airline and creates incredible instability for the people who make Frontier fly," said Sara Nelson, AFA International President. "Frontier must negotiate to reflect the impact of their completely new business model."
The protest is set to take place at 11 a.m. at Hartsfield-Jackson.
A spokesperson for Frontier Airlines said that the company was "actively engaged in negotiations with our flight attendants under the guidance of the National Mediation Board."
"We remain fully committed to continuing that process in a positive and collaborative manner to achieve an agreement that supports our flight attendants while ensuring the continued success of our company," the spokesperson said.
The planned picketing comes after one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel seasons on record.
AAA is projecting air travel to continue to break records this holiday season with nearly 7.9 million Americans forecast to take at least one domestic flight.