Delta AFA Flight Attendant Hotline 6/4/2007

Delta Flight Attendant Representation Comparison

Our current EIG

The 'old' FORUM

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA)

Is the organization self-managed?  Does it have complete autonomy over itself?

No. In fact the EIG have shown zero autonomy as a representative body.  All decisions, announcements and opportunities are made by management.

Yes, but to a very small degree. The Forum could disagree with management but in the end, our executives held all the cards and called all the shots.

Completely. The only people that AFA answers to are its member flight attendants.  Members express their voice and control of AFA by voting on their contracts, filing grievances, and participating in their association.

Are Representatives elected by their peers?

No. While "high performing" FAs do participate in the interview process, EIG Reps are chosen by management.

Yes. Though in reality this was often a volunteer position because few flight attendants ran for the positions. Also, less than 20% of the FA population even voted.

Absolutely. All leadership positions in AFA are elected by their peer flight attendants.  WE are the association, contrary to management's conjecture that AFA is run by a group of "outsiders."

Are Representatives held accountable?  If so, how?

Unclear. Very little is known about how the EIG group functions out on the line. You have to ask:  exactly what do we hold them accountable for?

The Forum made huge efforts to communicate/be accountable. Its lack of success was mainly driven by its lack of credibility on the line. This fact makes being "accountable" almost irrelevant.

AFA is committed to accountability by providing avenues for its members to participate in the rebuilding of the flight attendant profession. Its peer elected flight attendant leaders and volunteers work tirelessly via a variety of committees ( Air Safety, Health & Security , Employee Assistance Program,  Govt. Affairs , Organizing ) to advocate for FA issues.  If the AFA is not meeting the goals of its members, its officers are accountable, and ultimately, subject to recall.

Are Representatives allowed to communicate independently?

No. All communication or "blitz" items must be approved by management. (This comes straight from an EIG representative.)

Yes.  Forum communication was uncensored but the price was high if you expressed criticism of management.

100% of all AFA communication is created by AFA representatives.  There is no influence from management or any outside body.  AFA is committed to the flight attendant profession during every economic cycle, not just good financial times.

How can this organization affect change?

The EIG is charged with obtaining and communicating FA feedback. What decisions are made with this feedback is ultimately up to management.

During its heyday the Forum actually affected considerable change. Then during Sharon Wibben's tenure it was relegated to being an "advisory" group.  At this point the Forum lost all credibility with its peers.

The AFA can affect change via a wide variety of opportunities. It has the clout of a determined membership to negotiate with its management. It has the power and resources to lobby congress. But most important, it is a legally recognized independent and democratic body whose members decide what changes are made.

Does this organization have a set of by-laws or a constitution that governs it?

No.

The Forum did have a set of by-laws which were scrupulously monitored and updated by its officers.  But in truth, they meant little when they did not meet management's goals.

The AFA has an extensive set of by-laws and a comprehensive constitution that ANYONE can read at http://afanet.org/cb/ .  These documents outline all the protections, responsibilities and functions the AFA provides for its members.

Does this organization offer any legal protections or a grievance process?

No.

No.  While it was not unusual for a Forum Rep to get an email from a colleague asking for help with a disciplinary issue, the Forum was powerless to advocate on these matters.

Definitely!  The AFA has a systematic grievance procedure and a highly experienced inhouse legal staff to immediately address disciplinary issues and contract violations.  The AFA provides its members with resources so it can negotiate and bargain with its management in an environment of equals.

Who pays for this organization?

Management. The EIG's primary goal is to be a resource for 'management' - that's why they pay for it.

Management. The Forum Officers were never allowed to see a "Forum" budget, but all signs indicate that it was a very expensive program.

Member's dues.  This is the most ethical way to fund any organization.  Every member pays an equal amount for an equal benefit.  AFA does not keep its financials a secret.  Every penny spent is accounted for to its members. New members do not pay dues until they ratifiy their first contract.