Source: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) and Norse Atlantic Airways (Norse) have agreed to a pre-hire agreement for U.S.-based Flight Attendant jobs at the new low-cost, long-haul start up airline. Norse expects to create a minimum of 700 Flight Attendant jobs in the U.S. and agreed to union neutrality with joint application for certification by the National Mediation Board once the Flight Attendants demonstrate majority interest in representation with AFA. The full contract, subject to ratification after certification of the union, includes industry-leading starting pay and job protections, healthcare, and a 401k among other key benefits.
“This is what respect for workers and our unions looks like,” stated AFA President Sara Nelson. “We are proud to provide a path of return to work for AFA members who flew in a similar long-haul, low-cost operation. Those Flight Attendants organized and successfully beat back misguided efforts by a different management to misclassify Flight Attendants as contractors. But, as soon as they won the fight and a contract the airline ceased operations in March 2020. Their hard work and commitment to our careers is paying off and raising the bar for Flight Attendants everywhere. Norse management is taking a refreshing approach to labor relations and demonstrating that the success of a business starts with good jobs. We are thrilled to announce this historic agreement and we look forward to getting people to work as soon as possible.”
“We are thrilled to reach this agreement with AFA and proud to make clear from the start that our airline puts people first,” stated Norse CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen. “Travelers will gain a low-cost, long-haul option, but tickets will never be subsidized by our employees. We strongly believe building an airline with respect for the people who work for Norse is the best way to ensure success. AFA has been an outspoken advocate for Flight Attendants and our airline will also benefit from working with this great union. This agreement for Flight Attendant jobs gives us even more urgency to lock in all of the regulatory approvals to start operations as soon as possible.”
The contract, subject to ratification by the Flight Attendants, specifically states, “The Company commits to directly employ all crew to ensure it is promoting fair competition, workers’ rights, and the highest standards in safety and employment regulations.” Additional language ensures Norse will maintain these jobs in the United States and protects against furloughs if Flight Attendants are also employed outside of the U.S.