CIE Assists Independent Flight Attendants in Struggle with AFL-CIO

NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, JANUARY 8, 2024 — The Center for Independent Employees (CIE) announces that it is working with flight attendants at Avelo Airlines seeking to cast off a burdensome union presence in their workplace. Avelo flight attendants are seeking decertification of the Labor Union Association of Flight Attendants-Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO (AFA-CWA).

The tale is a familiar one. The union swooped in with bare-minimum support. It has blocked communication between employees and management, suppresses the voice of dissenters and created divisions among employees. Union membership has so far yielded Avelo employees two years of contract negotiations, with no end in sight.

“Less than 10 people voted the AFA in,” said Avelo flight attendant Kim Howard.  “AFA took an underhanded advantage using a loophole in the law that prevented Avelo flight attendants from being able to vote in the election for union representation. We have over 200 flight attendants today and do not believe the AFA has majority support.” 

Howard said the flight attendants want a representational election to remove the AFA.  “We are working towards flight attendant and management relationship where we feel heard and our needs are met,” she said.

“We have deep experience with unions taking advantage of airline employees," said CIE President Russ Brown. “None of this surprises us, but it’s time for the union to go.”

Note: View the formal press release by clicking the button below.