Delta Connection Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement For First Contract

Flight Attendants Achieve Double-Digit Pay Increases, Among Other Improvements

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Compass Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA), reached a tentative agreement for a first contract late last night with the assistance of the National Mediation Board. The agreement would provide double-digit pay increases on date of ratification along with an increased 401k match, schedule flexibility and a grievance procedure among other improvements.  All things considered, the AFA Negotiating Committee and elected leaders are sending the agreement out for ratification with a unanimous endorsement.

"Compass Flight Attendants have worked long and hard to achieve an enforceable Contract. Negotiations began our successful organizing campaign in 2009. This agreement will finally make a difference for Compass Flight Attendants and their families, and it provides us a solid foundation for future negotiations. Through the unwavering support of Compass Flight Attendants, our union was able to achieve substantial gains. This is a good first contract and a good first step in recognizing the substantial contributions Flight Attendants provide for the Delta network. We will be working hard over the ratification period to get Flight Attendants all of the information they need to cast an informed vote for our future," stated Catriona Bagley, AFA president at Compass Airlines.

The details of the agreement will be released first to Compass Flight Attendants. Voting on the agreement will begin April 10, 2013 and conclude May 1, 2013.  If ratified, the agreement would become effective on the date of the vote count, May 1, 2013.

AFA is grateful for the expert assistance of NMB Member Linda Puchala, Mediator Walter Darr and Director of Mediation Larry Gibbons, who were instrumental in helping the parties come to an agreement.

Compass, a Delta Connection carrier, provides approximately 190 daily flights to over 50 Delta Air Lines destinations.  Compass Airlines is wholly owned by Trans States Holdings of St. Louis and is headquartered in Minneapolis.

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 over 65 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 at 23 airlines 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.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants