| We made our decision. We soundly rejected the
Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), yet the AFA will not respect our
decision. The AFA said that this was our election, but it did not like the
result. Now, it is trying to get a re-run of the election.
During an organizing campaign, the National Mediation Board (NMB) seeks
to ensure that laboratory conditions free from influence and coercion are
maintained. The AFA is claiming that Delta interfered and tainted these
laboratory conditions. Based on this claim, the AFA is asking for a re-run
election.
Because the AFA made charges of interference, the NMB will investigate.
In determining whether the laboratory conditions essential to a fair
election have been tainted, the Board considers the totality of facts and
circumstances as established through its investigation. The Board
evaluates the facts developed from submissions provided by the
Organization and the Carrier, the Board Representatives' investigation,
and past Board experience. (From NMB, citations omitted)
The AFA’s strategy is to throw multiple charges at the NMB and see
what sticks. That is why they have been crying interference throughout
this campaign. Hopefully, the AFA will not be successful.
However, unions can also taint the laboratory conditions. The same
analysis of whether laboratory conditions have been tainted apply to union
interference and carrier interference.
This means that we can help. If you feel that the AFA has attempted to
coerce you or interfere with your decision, you can fight back. Examples
of interference might include:
 | Continuing phone calls after you have asked the AFA to cease contact |
| Physical Threats |
| Vandalism |
| Having your name circulated on a printout of card signers or
"yes" voters |
| House visits |
| Polling by the AFA e.g. "How did you vote?" |
| Cash Payments |
| Sexual Favors |
| Requests by a union member for your ballot |
| Being singled out in briefings or on the aircraft for your non-union
position |
| Verbal Abuse |
| Other behavior designed to coerce your decision |
If you experienced any of these examples, you will have to document it
if you want to help. Names, witnesses, dates, times, and places all lend
credibility to your report of interference. If you think that you might
have a credible claim, deltafa.org suggests that you contact someone
involved in Delta’s legal case. We suggest starting at the top with
Walter Brill’s office. Walter Brill is the V.P. - Associate General
Counsel for Delta.
His company mailing address is:
Walter A. Brill
VP - Associate General Counsel
Legal - Department 981
ATG
His administrative assistant should be able to route your call to an
attorney working on the case. Mr. Brill’s administrative assistant can
be reached at (404) 715-2248.
If you choose to come forward, please let us know if we are sending you
to the right person, and if they were helpful.
In February, we voted to remain individuals. We made it clear that we
did not want the AFA. As individuals, we have the responsibility to step
forward and protect our interests. If the AFA attempted to interfere with
your vote, your coming forward sends a message that the AFA cannot walk
roughshod over our rights.
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