AFA Flight Attendants First Through Known Crewmember Security Check Points

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Starting today, US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), are able to access the alternate, expedited security screening program Known Crewmember (KCM) in 18 airports across the country. The successful program was launched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2011, tested thoroughly and today Flight Attendants begin to use the risk-based security screening.   

"As key partners in aviation security, Flight Attendants are integral members of a security team charged with ensuring the safety of air transportation. We are not only aviation's first responders, we also serve as its last line of defense in security.  Known Crewmember (KCM) recognizes our role and further promotes security through the TSA's risk-based security initiatives. AFA has been a strong proponent of the program for all crewmembers. We are thrilled that AFA members at US Airways are the first Flight Attendants utilizing the successful KCM program," said Veda Shook, AFA International President.

AFA advocated forcefully at many levels of government and industry to promote the KCM program with full recognition of Flight Attendants' role in aviation security.  From one-on-one meetings with high level Administration officials, to expert testimony and congressional office visits, AFA Flight Attendants helped build momentum and ultimately announced with TSA Flight Attendant inclusion in the program.

KCM, developed by A4A and the Air Line Pilots Association, is an expedited screening program for authorized and trusted crewmembers at security screening checkpoints utilizing established security clearances that each aviation employee must meet as a condition of employment.  Flight Attendants take part in the same background checks as pilots and the clearance process is identical.

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 and retired members 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 and www.rafa-cwa.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO