Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What passenger service professionals are represented by CWA?
A. In the airline industry, CWA members include about 20,000 passenger service professionals at American Airlines, Envoy Airlines, and Piedmont Airlines. In addition, the union represents over 60,000 flight attendants at 19 air carriers through the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Q. What is the role of the union in representing airline workers?
A. The union advocates for fair wages, safe working conditions, and employee rights through collective bargaining and representation.
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Q. How does building a union work?
A. Building a union means talking to your coworkers, discussing issues, building a community and working toward majority support.
Read more about how we organize to build solidarity and a union that serves all our workers.
Q. I’m happy with what I have, could a union contract ever be worse than the status quo?
A. No. Current conditions and pay are the starting point for negotiations, and the company is legally required to maintain current conditions and pay until a contract agreement is reached. With a union, workers have the ability to decide their own priorities. Wages, working conditions (including flexibility), and benefits are all negotiable. The full contract must be voted on and approved by members.
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Q. What is collective bargaining, and why is it important?
A. Collective bargaining is the process by which the union negotiates contracts with employers on behalf of employees, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
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Q. How do union dues work?
A. Members do not pay dues until a contract is negotiated, voted on, and approved. There are no dues applied to overtime, extra shifts worked, or when members are not receiving a paycheck.
Dues are a very small percentage of each worker's pay and vary based on hourly salary and full-time/part-time status.
Q. Do union dues really make a difference?
A. Yes, dues fund essential services like contract negotiations, legal support, and member advocacy, which directly impact your working conditions and benefits.
Q. Can the union protect me from unfair treatment at work?
A. Absolutely. The union provides representation in disciplinary matters, ensuring that your rights are protected and that any action taken against you is fair and justified.
Q. Do unions protect bad employees?
A. Unions are required by law to represent all their members. If an employee is not performing up to par, it is the company’s responsibility to coach, counsel, and train that employee to bring him or her up to standard. If the company has written proof that they have coached and counseled an employee who is not up to standard then it’s hard for the union to provide much protection. The union also has the right to decide that money will not be spent on arbitration, which is the final step of a grievance procedure.
Q. What happens if the union and the employer can't agree on a contract?
A. If negotiations stall, the union may use strategies like mediation, arbitration, or even strikes as a last resort to achieve fair terms.
Q. Are union workers paid more than non-union workers?
A. Generally, union workers receive higher wages, better benefits, and improved job security compared to their non-union counterparts.
Q. Can I get in trouble for participating in union activities?
A. No, federal laws protect your right to engage in union activities without retaliation from your employer.
Q. Do I have a say in what the union does?
A. Yes, union members can vote on contracts, leadership, and other critical decisions, ensuring that your voice is heard in the union's actions.
Q. Is the union involved in anything beyond negotiating contracts?
A. Yes, unions also focus on safety advocacy, lobbying for workers' rights legislation, and providing education and training programs for members.
Q. What should I do if I have a workplace issue?
A. Contact your union steward or representative, who can provide guidance, support, and representation to address the issue.
Q. Are strikes the only way unions get what they want?
A. No, strikes are a last resort. Most negotiations are resolved through dialogue, mediation, and compromise without disrupting work.
Q. What are the most common myths about unions?
A. Common myths include that unions are unnecessary, only protect lazy workers, and create conflict. In reality, unions promote fairness, safety, and improved working conditions.
Q. How can I get involved in union activities?
A. Attend union meetings, volunteer for committees, stay informed about union updates, and connect with union leaders to actively participate.
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If an employee has not been coached and counseled by management, then the union has the obligation to ensure that worker is represented and receives the proper training or coaching. The union ensures that all regulations, rules and contract items are enforced in the same manner for all employees.