What does the Delta & Northwest merger mean to its flight attendants?

In the spring of 2008 Delta and Northwest announced plans to merge, creating the "Premier Global Airline". Also the largest airline in the world.

So what does this mean for the employees of Delta and Northwest Airlines? Specifically, its flight attendants.

We know that Northwest airlines comes from a background of being unionized, while Delta has a strong background in believing in that direct relationship with management.

So which is better?

I can't answer that question, that is for you to figure out. Its up to you to get the information and make and educated decision and not an emotional decision. I will help by providing with public information which I hope will assist you in making that educated decision.

So do we keep their unions, do they lose their unions...whats the deal?

Representational issues in the airline industry are governed by the Railway Labor Act.

So who enforces the guidelines of the RLA?

The National Mediation Board(http://www.nmb.gov/)

Under NMB rules, in the event of a merger the employees of the craft or class must submit a request to the NMB to investigate and determine if the two merged crafts or classes now constitute a Single Transportation System (different from Single Operating Certificate).

Once the NMB conducts that investigation, if it determines that the two merged crafts of classes constitute a Single Transportation System, then the union representing that craft or class has two weeks to submit a Showing of Interest from at least 35% of the combined craft or class.

Ok, talking nonsense now. What does that mean?

It means that in this case, once the NMB finds that the Flight Attendant craft constitutes a Single Transportation System, then AFA has two weeks to provide the NMB with a showing of interest of at least 35% of all flight attendants combined.

The Northwest group all counts as part of the 35%, now if them alone don't make up that 35% then the difference can be made up by cards signed by Delta flight attendants within the past year.

When AFA has submitted a showing of interest, then the NMB will set the dates of the vote for the combined group.

In order for AFA to be certified as the Sole Bargaining Agent of Delta flight attendants it must receive 50%+1 of the total eligible votes.

What does 50%+1 of the total eligible votes mean?

You would think that this election would be like any other election on earth but its not.

In regular elections when you elect the Senators, Mayors etc...a majority wins right?

So the person with more votes is the winner, not in this case.

If there are 20,000 total flight attendants at the combine Delta & Northwest, then AFA nust receive 10,001 votes in order to be certified. Thats correct, not voting is considered a "NO" vote.

Is it fair to reward someone who doesn't take the time to vote with a "NO" vote?

If that was the case in regular elections we would have a much different government!


You can't be unsure about this one folks! You are either for representation, or you are against it. If you aren't sure, then you are against it! So get the facts, and make an educated decision!