Senator Claire McCaskill
For Immediate Release December 21, 2007

McCaskill Brokers Deal to Save 1,200 Jobs at American Airlines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S Senator Claire McCaskill today brought some holiday cheer to the families of over 1,200 laid-off flight attendants for American Airlines who were about to face expiration of their recall rights. In a press conference today, McCaskill announced that American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) have successfully concluded a new labor agreement for these workers.

The agreement was reached after Senator McCaskill initiated a ten-month series of negotiations in her Senate office on behalf of the men and women facing expiration of their recall rights after years of quality service to the company. American Airlines will extend for two years the option of laid-off flight attendants to get their jobs back at American Airlines. The airline has made a series of substantial hires in recent months, and Senator McCaskill has been assured that these 1,200 laid-off employees will be given a chance to return to the skies.

“American Airlines should be commended for doing what’s right – and I have no doubt that these returning workers will bring an exemplary level of service in the skies over Missouri,” said Sen. McCaskill. “This was an issue of fundamental fairness, and I am simply delighted that we were able to reach a successful resolution in the holiday season.”

"Not only has Sen. McCaskill saved and preserved jobs in Missouri with her actions, but also all across the nation. This workforce looks forward to returning to our jobs with American Airlines and serving the traveling public,” said Roger Graham, a former flight attendant affected by this announcement.

These employees were furloughed following the 9/11 attacks that devastated the airline industry. They were guaranteed a five-year right to reclaim their jobs from American if new hires were made, but the growth in the airline sector was slow and many furloughed employees were facing expiration of their recall rights, and loss of benefits.

Statement from Roger Graham

Of all the promises made to the former TWA Flight Attendants, all were broken but one. That promise was made by Senator Claire McCaskill, who promised to assist this workgroup to return to their jobs after the devastating events of 9/11.

With Senator McCaskill’s relentless negotiations with the respective parties, many former TWA flight attendants now have the opportunity to return to their career, leaving behind the destructive path of a merger and the events of 9/11. Senator McCaskill has successfully taken on some very serious challenges as she fills Harry Truman's Senate shoes with honor and dignity.

In less than one year in office, Senator McCaskill saved countless jobs in Missouri and all across the nation. In addition, Senator McCaskill successfully sponsored legislation protecting hundreds of thousands of employees that may one day face a merger within the airline industry. The economy of Missouri will prosper from her actions, and the results of mergers and acquisitions within the aviation industry, will soon be remarkably different.

This workforce looks forward to returning to our jobs with AA, and serving the traveling public. We owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to many labor leaders, legislators and individuals including the TWA Flight Attendant "My Family". Special thanks to Senator Kit Bond (R-MO), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Ted Kennnedy (D-MA), their entire staff including those of Senator Claire McCaskill, representing the great state of Missouri.