Q&A: Right to Strike
Why are we taking a strike vote?
For several months, AFA has been requesting that Frontier management sit down and bargain the impact of their change in business model. Management has refused to engage in impact bargaining, stating they will only discuss the items under the regular Section 6 bargaining.That is really disingenuous by management because in typical Section 6 bargaining neither side can make changes on their own to pay, benefits, or working conditions. Yet, management fundamentally changed how we work on a day to day basis without negotiating with our union and they expect us to wait through lengthy negotiations. Not so fast. Management’s actions are harming Flight Attendants now. There’s no time to wait to address the impact of their decisions on our lives.
When can we strike?
Taking a strike vote gives the authorization to your MEC and International President to call a strike at the appropriate time. It does not mean we are striking immediately but it sends a powerful message to the Company and the flying public that this issue is serious and urgent. A strong strike vote provides us with all legal options for compelling management to bargain over the impact of their business model.
Can we strike legally?
Management has an obligation to bargain with AFA over the impact of their fundamental shift in business strategy. This legal obligation to engage in impact bargaining is separate and distinct from their obligation to bargain over negotiations of our contract in our regular Section 6 negotiations. The National Mediation Board is considering our request to schedule mediation dates. Regardless of the timing of that process, a strike vote will be necessary for management to take our concerns seriously. Any strike would be conducted with the advice of our AFA Legal Department and outside counsel.
Did the NMB deny our mediation application?
No, the NMB has yet to rule on our mediation application. Further, the NMB “recommend[ed] [that we] engage in NMB Facilitation to address the issues raised…with respect to these matters.” Management rejected their offer. Nevertheless, we continue to urge management to allow federal mediators to do their job and help resolve this very harmful situation.
Can we inflict economic harm on the company at this time?
We need to be exact and strategic in our actions. We are only taking a strike vote at this time. We are not on strike. There is not a strike date set and we should not be insinuating that we intend to inflict any kind of economic harm on the company. We are simply asserting the significance and urgency of this issue and management’s responsibility to negotiate with us. If you have a creative idea of how to encourage management to negotiate with us, call your local and share it. Don’t speculate on social media.
