Flight Attendants Union Criticizes Delay in Secondary Barriers Rule

Flight Attendants Urge Action on Secondary Flight Deck Barriers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the nation marks 24 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the debate over airline safety measures continues. Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, has highlighted ongoing resistance from airline management regarding the installation of secondary flight deck barriers. This year, efforts to implement a federal mandate were postponed once again, influenced by the previous administration's decisions. More details on the delay can be found here.

"Flight Attendants were the first to die 24 years ago as terrorists wrestled their way into the flight deck. Reinforced doors were installed within 18 months, while 24 years later it’s still Flight Attendant bodies that stand in the way of those doors and mass casualties in the air and on the ground," said Nelson, a veteran Flight Attendant of 29 years.

She emphasized the relentless battle aviation unions have faced in advocating for Installed Physical Secondary Barriers (IPSB), a measure intended to enhance safety and security. "Airlines have fought every step of the way to delay mandatory IPSB – a safety provision long fought for by aviation unions. ‘Safety and security first’ is in word only for the corporate bean counters."

Nelson criticized the airlines' prioritization of financial concerns over safety, stating, "It is disgusting airlines have fought this simple life saving device all these years in favor of a few pieces of silver. We will Never Forget. It seems they will never care."

The Association of Flight Attendants, representing over 55,000 members, acts as a pivotal voice for Flight Attendant issues, striving to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions. As part of the larger Communications Workers of America, the union continues to advocate for safety measures within the aviation industry. For more information, visit their website at www.afacwa.org.