Flight Attendants at Ryan International Airlines Vote to Join Union

Flight attendants at Ryan International Airlines have elected the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) as their collective bargaining representative. The union received 111 votes. The total vote well exceeded the National Mediation Board's (NMB) arbitrary requirement that 50 percent plus one of eligible flight attendants vote in order for the election to be valid. AFA-CWA had filed a petition for election after a strong majority of Ryan's over 150 flight attendants signed representational cards in 2008.

In a statement to the press about the union election, AFA-CWA International President Patricia Friend said, "Ryan International flight attendants are committed to shaping the future of their careers and we are thrilled to welcome them to the largest flight attendant union in the world. With AFA-CWA, Ryan flight attendants will negotiate a legally binding contract that will provide the security they need to advance their profession.

"Despite archaic NMB rules and management's anti-union tactics, Ryan flight attendants joined together to achieve their goal. They spoke in favor of having a voice in their workplace and today management heard their message loud and clear," said Friend.

Based in Rockford, IL, Ryan International Airlines provides aircraft charters to tour operators and sports teams, as well as to several U.S. government agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Justice, Energy, and Homeland Security. They also provide crewed aircraft to other airlines under so-called 'wet lease' contracts.

Union election set for Ryan International Airlines flight attendants

Earlier this month, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) filed a petition with the U.S. National Mediation Board (NMB) seeking union representation for the flight attendants at Ryan International Airlines. Yesterday the AFA announced that the NMB had ascertained that the required number of Ryan International flight attendants are in support of the AFA becoming their collective bargaining representative. The NMB has set up a voting schedule for a representation election. Balloting instructions will be sent to Ryan flight attendants in upcoming weeks and voting will take place from December 11 to January 6, 2009.

"We are excited for Ryan International flight attendants to begin the New Year with collective bargaining rights and a strong voice at the table," said AFA-CWA International President Patricia Friend. "Ryan flight attendants need the strength and support of a union experienced in representing flight attendants. AFA-CWA is that union."

Ryan International Airlines flight attendants ready to join union

Flight attendants at Illinois-based charter carrier, Ryan International Airlines, are preparing for a representational election. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the world's largest flight attendant union, collected the required signature cards from among the Ryan International flight attendant work force and filed a petition on their behalf with the U.S. National Mediation Board (NMB) earlier this week. The NMB is the federal agency that oversees union representation elections in the airline industry.

Once the NMB verifies that enough signed union representation cards have been collected by AFA-CWA, a secret ballot election will be called to determine who will represent Ryan flight attendants.

"This is exactly the right move by these flight attendants, at the right time," said AFA-CWA International President Patricia Friend. "Ryan flight attendants need the strength and support of a union experienced in representing flight attendants. AFA-CWA is that union," she added.

Ryan International provides aircraft charters to tour operators and sports teams, as well as to several U.S. government agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Justice, Energy, and Homeland Security. They also provide crewed aircraft to other airlines under so-called 'wet lease' contracts.

Best wishes to the flight attendants at Ryan International Airlines for success with their upcoming representational election.