POLITICAL ACTION IN SUPPORT OF LOBBYING

For AFA-CWA to maintain our influence in the legislative arena, it is essential to support the political programs which compliment our legislative activity.  Legislation and politics go hand-in-hand, and to successfully promote AFA-CWA’s legislative goals, AFA-CWA must be active on both fronts.  

FlightPAC, part of CWA’s Committee on Political Education (COPE), AFA’s Political Action Committee,  was established in 1982.  FlightPAC/COPE is governed by the Federal Election Commission and federal campaign finance laws. Election law prohibits labor organizations from using treasury dues to make contributions and expenditures in connection with federal elections.  Dues from our members are never contributed to campaigns. Violations of campaign finance laws can result in civil penalties, therefore it is important for AFA-CWA leaders and Government Affairs Committee members to understand and observe the laws and rules which govern PAC’s and political activity.  

Through your voluntary contributions, FlightPAC/COPE provides financial support to federal candidates to federal office who are committed to helping us accomplish our legislative goals.  

FlightPAC/COPE is non-partisan.  We give to candidates who help flight attendants. We send questionnaires to candidates to get their views on flight attendant issues. In turn, we will support those who respond favorably, regardless of party affiliation. AFA understands that not all of our members have the same political/social beliefs. The fact remains that there are issues that affect all members. These include OSHA protections, certification, the right to collective bargaining, air quality and a host of other workplace related issues. AFA does not factor in the social views of any of our members or the candidates we choose to contribute to.   

FlightPAC/COPE is the best way to make your voice heard in Washington. It is the most important tool that AFA has to help elect Senators and Representatives who understand and defend the issues important to flight attendants. It provides AFA with access to Members of Congress that in turn allows AFA Government Relations to make our case for the issues that affect flight attendants.

AFA-CWA's goal is the enactment of legislation on issues affecting our jobs and workplace so we are not forced to address them at the bargaining table with our employers. This allows us to focus bargaining on improvements in wages and benefits. FlightPAC/COPE is a critically important tool to get us to that goal.

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Click here to download the 4 page AFA-CWA FlightPAC/COPE brochure, which includes FlightPAC/COPE victories on Capitol Hill, as well as a contribution form.