Advocating for Aviation Security and Worker Safety

On Tuesday, AFA-CWA International President Sara Nelson testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security in a hearing entitled, “On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security.” Nelson’s testimony centered on the increase in unruly passenger incidents, which is currently one of the major threats to aviation security and workers on the frontlines.

“Dealing with a disruptive passenger used to be a rare event and a really bad day at work. But today, Flight Attendants and other aviation workers are aware before every trip, every shift, and our families are too, that when we put on our uniforms we are donning a target for abuse, harassment, and violence,” said President Nelson. “We cannot accept this as the new normal.”

President Nelson’s testimony also included several recommendations to protect frontline workers and maintain aviation security including swift and public prosecutions of violations by the Department of Justice, banning to-go alcohol in airports, creating a centralized list of violators who will be denied the freedom of flight on all airlines, increased staffing at the gate and on planes, crewmember self defense training, and more.