We deserve due process

Recent reports of disciplinary actions against Flight Attendants have made clear, once again, that we are in a one-sided relationship with Delta management where management holds all the power. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Union Flight Attendants have a clear disciplinary process thanks to their contract. Everyone gets treated the same because the rules are the same and transparent through contract language — they can’t be reprimanded or fired without just cause. Typically contracts provide defined rules to access your employment history and clear old reports, and a means to consider mitigating factors that avoid a quick judgement for termination. Flight Attendants have the right to union representation throughout the disciplinary process, meaning they don’t have to go through it alone.

And the benefits don’t stop at transparency.

For example, United AFA Flight Attendants have pay protections if they’re withheld from service due to a company investigation. Meanwhile, we’re faced with uncertain timelines and outcomes, and often without pay.  Management cannot put union Flight Attendants back on a "probationary status" as a form of discipline.

Delta’s willingness to fire even their own fiercest advocates in the face of outside pressure shows that in the end, all of us are just numbers to management.

With a union contract, we will all have the same protections, the same rights, and the same voice on the job.

And Delta management can tell outside forces that they must follow the union contract. This is the most effective way for everyone, from the boardroom to the crew room, to keep Delta, our Delta.

Our Delta AFA union will give us a seat at the table when negotiating our disciplinary process and representation if something goes wrong. It’s never been more clear that we need both. We deserve due process. And with our union, we’ll make sure we have it.