Flight Attendants at Mesa Airlines Ratify New Contract

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mesa Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today voted by 97 percent to ratify a new contract with economic and work rule improvements for the more than 1,100 Flight Attendants.

"Mesa Flight Attendants voted for a huge step forward that provides a strong foundation for our future," said Heather Stevenson, AFA President at Mesa Airlines. "Mesa Flight Attendants worked for years to be recognized for our work and dedication as aviation's first responders. This contract will make a significant difference for Mesa Flight Attendants and their families."

The four-year agreement addresses concerns about Mesa Flight Attendant wages in comparison to other regional carriers. It includes initial pay raises of up to 20 percent, with additional increases in subsequent years that will substantially improve pay for all Flight Attendants over the life of the agreement. The contract also includes increased schedule flexibility with a preferential bidding system, provisions to protect Flight Attendants in delays and cancellations, and improved work rules.

The agreement was reached with the assistance of the National Mediation Board (NMB).

"This contract was reached with the focus of Mesa Flight Attendants and support of members across our union as well as the greater labor movement," said Sara Nelson, AFA International President. "It was critical that we mobilize to turn a short term job into a career for aviation's first responders at Mesa. We will continue to press forward at other airlines to bridge the gap in compensation and benefits so that all of aviation's first responders are recognized for their work."

Mesa Airlines operates flights for American Airlines (as American Eagle) and United Airlines (as United Express). Mesa Airlines is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and provides 600 daily departures to 117 cities, 39 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico including Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Phoenix, AZ; and Washington, DC.

The Association of Flight Attendants is the Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 72 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA)