The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA representing the flight attendants of Air Wisconsin, who provides regional air service for United Airlines, confirmed today that the staff voted 99% to authorise strike action.
"Enough is enough. Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants are ready to do whatever it takes to get a new contract. We have made every sacrifice to ensure the stability of the airline while management refuses to offer meaningful pay and work rule improvements. Higher pay, no more delay!" said Ernie Lazernick, AFA Air Wisconsin President.
Negotiations began in July 2016 and are overseen by the National Mediation Board (NMB) and the lack of progress could lead to the NMB declaring that negotiations are deadlocked which releases both parties into a 30-day "cooling off" period leading to a strike deadline. No future negotiations sessions have been scheduled at this time.
The almost unanimous vote for to authorise strike action doesn't automatically mean that the cabin crew will take industrial action, it just gives the Association of Flight Attendants the authority to call a strike, if it should become necessary. It should perhaps be seen as another tool in the box of the union in its negotiations with the airline.
Air Wisconsin is a regional airline, based in Appleton, Wisconsin operating CRJ-200 regional jets and since March 2018, it has operated exclusively as a United Express regional air carrier.
