?We are first responders, we are a key link in the safety, security and success of commercial aviation, and it?s time for that to be recognized by the public, by lawmakers and by airline management. We will raise Flight Attendant standards across the board.?

?Like never before, the time is right for improvements to the Flight Attendant profession,? said Nelson. ?As leaders, we have a tremendous opportunity to serve as the catalyst that will mobilize our members to demand better contracts, to demand better wages, and to demand better working conditions.

?The skills Flight Attendants command as intelligent, resilient, and compassionate safety professionals are invaluable. Our union is responsible for building our careers and leading the charge for equality in the workplace. Coordinating and focusing the tremendous talents within our Flight Attendant-only union will again yield exceptional advances for our careers in this new era of industry prosperity.?

?Today we are poised to advance the Flight Attendant profession,? said Creighan. ?We will continue to protect our collective bargaining rights and use our collective strength to make the improvements our members need. Airline passengers and shareholders benefit from the dedication of Flight Attendants. The success of airlines cannot be measured by the stock price or management bonuses alone; it must also be measured by the life it affords the Flight Attendants who are the face of the airlines.?

AFA is a union run by and for Flight Attendants, and the AFA International Officers are proud to be Flight Attendants themselves. Veda Shook has been a Flight Attendant at Alaska Airlines for nearly 20 years. Sara Nelson and Kevin Creighan have been United Airlines Flight Attendants for 14 and 32 years respectively.