Flight Attendant Union Celebrates DOL Completion Of FMLA Rule For Airline Crews

Washington, DC –The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) today praised the Department of Labor for implementing the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). On the twentieth anniversary of FMLA, the DOL provided the guidance needed to establish eligibility requirements specifically for Flight Attendants and airline flight crewmembers.

“This is an exciting day for Flight Attendants and crewmembers across the nation. It is fitting that as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historic legislation that has helped millions of workers care for themselves and their loved ones without jeopardizing their jobs, the Department of Labor announces the final rule that provides the same peace of mind and protections to Flight Attendants and our families,” said Veda Shook, AFA International President.

The rule-making finalized by the Hour and Wage Division of the Department of Labor provides specific instruction on how to implement the technical correction and apply the standards for crewmember benefits.

“AFA has worked tirelessly to ensure that flight crews are treated fairly and qualify for essential FMLA benefits. While working with Congress to implement an effective solution, AFA has been negotiating Flight Attendant contracts to include vital FMLA language. From today forward, the unintended oversight of the original FMLA legislation is corrected and off the bargaining table for good,” added Shook.

The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org .