Flight Attendants Oppose Exemption for Installed Physical Barriers

Flight Attendant Unions Oppose Delay in Security Measures

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of flight attendant unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), Association of Professional Flight Attendants, Communications Workers of America, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, has voiced strong opposition against a proposal by Airlines for America (A4A). The proposal seeks to delay the implementation of Installed Physical Secondary Barriers (IPSB) on new aircraft, which the unions deem crucial for security.

The unions argue that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should reject A4A's request for an expedited exemption. They emphasize that flight attendants can be sufficiently trained on IPSB-equipped aircraft before flights, even if this training isn't part of their regular or initial training programs.

In their official comments, the unions state, "There can be no justification for allowing airlines to leave any properly functioning IPSB unused. A single successful terrorist attack on an aircraft with an unused IPSB would be inexcusable and certainly not in the public interest."

The unions further highlight that from an economic perspective, the cost-benefit analysis supports the implementation of IPSBs. They argue that even if a 9/11-type attack were to occur every 151 years, the financial benefits of having IPSBs would justify the costs, provided that the barriers are actively utilized rather than left idle.

For more detailed information, read the full comments.

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The Association of Flight Attendants has been advocating for flight attendants for over 79 years. As a leading union focused on flight attendant issues, AFA works to enhance the profession through improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for its 55,000 members, part of the larger Communications Workers of America. Visit www.afacwa.org for more information.