As a Flight Attendant, we depend on many people to provide us the tools we need to complete our jobs. One of the most important (from a service point of view) are our friends at the catering kitchens. Have you ever stepped back and thought about their work conditions and what they have to live with every day? In many of the cities we serve, they work in extremely hot or cold conditions, with no heat or air-conditioning in their trucks. Many work for poverty level wages and only have about 40% of their healthcare premiums covered with no out of pocket maximums. The majority are forced to work more than one job, just to cover the necessities like food and electricity.
While Alaska, Delta, United, American and other airlines pull in BILLIONS of dollars in profits, Airline Catering workers, who work hard for us every day, have to live with poverty level wages and benefits. NOBODY should ever have to choose between putting food on the table, paying their bills or getting medical treatment.
AFA Council #19 stands with and supports our brothers and sisters at UNITE HERE Local #8.
Please join other AFA Members on Tuesday, November 26th as we show our support and stand shoulder to shoulder with our teammates.
We will be meeting at the UNITE HERE union office at 19415 International Blvd (across from Angle Lake) at 5:30pm on November 26th (Tuesday). Busses will transport us to SeaTac Airport for this National Day of Protest.
For those who cannot attend the meeting, there are other ways to show your support:
- Next time you see a caterer onboard your aircraft, take a moment to say hello, thank them for what they do and remind them that you stand with them 100% in their fight for better pay, benefits and working conditions.
- Always remember that there is someone on the other end of the cart. Our Inflight Service Committee members just had an opportunity to tour the LSG facility in Seattle. They observed catering personnel opening, and “unloading” the carts. When we don’t take a few moments to return catering items to their original locations, and to disassemble trays after service, it can create dangerous situations. Glasses break, liquids spill, and coffee cups are stained to the point that they cant’ be cleaned. We realize sometimes it’s not possible due to turbulence, and other issues. Just as we appreciate our fellow crew members taking the time to leave the galleys in a organized, and usable condition for a downline crew, think about how you are returning supplies to the carts at the end of service.
- Go to the UNITE HERE Local #8 Facebook page and leave a message of solidarity! https://www.facebook.com/Local8/
ONE JOB should always be enough. Lets stand together!!
