Our Union Support Following a Critical Incident

We’re thankful that all crew and passengers are physically safe following today’s collision in Atlanta involving Delta Flight 295 (A350) and Delta Connection Endeavor Flight 5526 (CRJ900).

As first responders, we prepare for and coordinate responses to emergency situations for carriers and for the traveling public. Our union’s safety and EAP committees, made up of our coworkers, will work together to immediately reach out to the affected crew and offer support that’s part of our Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP).

Through the CIRP, AFA Employee Assistance Program reps identify the dynamics and impact of a critical incident or traumatic event, share strategies for managing and alleviating these symptoms, ensure continuous check ups to assist in recovery, and access professional resources when needed.

Unionized Flight Attendants, like Endeavor AFA Flight Attendants, have contractual provisions that protect crew and help them take necessary time off to recover from a traumatic incident. Without a union at Delta, the response to the affected crew isn’t as clear…

• Will this be coded as an EVNT?
• Will the crew be pay protected? A committee of leadership from different departments will make that decision.
• If the crew is pay protected, will they have to be paid from their PPT?
• Will the crew be given time off to recover?
• Will the crew be forced to decide between going back to work or being able to pay next month's rent?

Without a union, we have no one advocating for us and no clear rules as to what happens when these incidents occur. We are at the mercy of management to do the right thing.

We support all investigative efforts to determine the cause and mitigate any risks. Delta Flight Attendants understand how crucial our role is on every single flight. An incident like this is a reminder of our primary responsibility in the cabin.

Once we vote for our union with AFA and establish our own Master Executive Council at Delta and leadership at every base, we’ll be able to use our collective power along with AFA’s resources to deliver powerful support for every Flight Attendant, no matter the incident, day, or time.

Having each other’s backs is at the core of being a Flight Attendant and our Flight Attendant union. AFA has our backs as we work to build our union at Delta.