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.
