ATLANTA – More than 53 percent of Delta Air Lines flight attendants voted against unionizing.
“This is a win for all Delta flight attendants,” Delta Senior Vice President of In-Flight Service Joanne Smith said in a message to the airline’s flight attendants.
Of the 19,887 eligible voters, 18,760 cast votes, according to Delta Only 44 percent voted in favor of representation by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).
“We are pleased not just with the outcome, but also with the fact that so many of you let your voice be heard,” Smith wrote. “…No matter how you voted, thank you for participating. I could not be more proud of our flight attendants.”
A number of flight attendants at the former Northwest Airlines were represented by the AFA. Northwest merged with Delta in January.
“It has been two years since the completion of our merger and I want to thank you for your professionalism,” Smith wrote. “You’ve been waiting a long time for today, and I know we’ve all grown weary of the election debate. You have spoken and it is time to move forward. Your leadership team will do our best to build upon your trust and confidence.”
The AFA “will be submitting interference charges against Delta management,” AFA President Patricia Friend said in a statement. “…We will ask the National Mediation Board to defend the Delta flight attendants’ right to an election free of interference.”
Friend added: “While we say goodbye for now to our Northwest colleagues, we are more resolved than ever to continue our long tradition of working for all flight attendants. Today, we stand together in solidarity and pledge to continue our efforts to preserve the integrity of our profession and the viability of our airlines. We will continue the work of raising the profession for all.”