STATEMENT OF TWU LOCAL 556 ON THE FAA’S DECISION TO ALLOW EXPANDED USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE

[Omaha Steve]

From email.

For Immediate Release: October 31, 2013


Contact: Jamie Horwitz, 202-549-4921, [e-mail]



STATEMENT OF TWU LOCAL 556,

REPRESENTING 11,000+ FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES,

ON THE FAA’S DECISION TO ALLOW

EXPANDED USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON AIRPLANES



DALLAS – Leaders of TWU Local 556, representing more than 11,000 flight attendants at Southwest Airlines, said today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must work with union and industry leaders as the agency implements new rules allowing expanded use of personal electronic devices on airplanes.


“Our workplace is over 30,000 feet above the ground,” said Local 556 President Audrey Stone. “While we’re always glad to see improvements which can enhance the comfort and convenience of our customers, flight safety is and always will be our top priority.”


“We are committed to ensuring zero degradation in operational safety as these changes are implemented,” said TWU Local 556 Operational Safety Chair Michael Massoni. “To ensure the safety of passengers and crew members, the FAA and industry have to work together to develop consistent standards so that every aircraft is PED-tolerant and proper stowage protocols continue to be observed."


“We think it’s very important to have uniform procedures for all carriers,” said Stone. “Every customer deserves a safe, convenient, and comfortable flight."


TWU Local 556 represents more than 11,000 flight attendants at Southwest Airlines. Local 556’s parent union, the Transport Workers Union of America, represents 200,000 workers and retirees in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads.