"This is a huge victory... something we've done for all airport employees!"

Our voice was heard! The Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation agree with our interpretation of the original intent of the statute regarding passenger rage in airports. CWA originally brought this issue to then Senator Kerry in 2002 with clear language that should have applied to all airport employees with security duties. The language was subsequently interpreted to only apply to law enforcement personnel and TSA employees. CWA knew the statute was supposed to include passenger service agents as well and took action. We signed petitions, held a fly-in lobby day in DC and met with members of Congress in their districts. We met with the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration and had members of Congress write a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of Transportation asking for clarification. Agents around the system are excited that their voices were heard: "I'm thrilled that I went to DC and made a difference. I feel so proud that telling our stories in DC and in meetings here in Texas moved this. Now we need to make sure that management backs us up and enforces this." - Chris Kress, AA, DFW "This is a victory for the employees of the airlines and our customers and their families that no one will have to be exposed to violence in our nation's airports" - Tom Robertson, Envoy, JLN "I'm thrilled that we're now under the same protective umbrella as other airline employees. We're on the front line: when passengers get mad we hear about it first. It's a great victory. It looks like all of our work paid off. United action really works." - DeAnna Davis, Envoy, BPT "Most of the people we spoke to about this issue didn't even know it was that a big of a problem for me and my co workers. It was just a matter of knocking on some doors, making some meetings, and being loud and proud about my problems. Being on the other side of it feels amazing. I'm really grateful to have a more safe work environment." - Amanda Mitchell, Envoy, DFW "This is a huge victory, our local has been working on this for a number of years. This is long overdue and necessary, and this is something we've done for all airport employees!" - Barbara Tobin, President Local 13301 "Absolutely the best news I've heard in the airline industry. A long overdue protection that has been needed to protect all employees." - Linette Franks, SGF, Envoy "I was a part of a group that lobbied in Washington to get the airport rage bill modified to include passenger service agents. I also visited with a senator from DFW and I'm extremely happy that the bill now includes passenger service agents. A lot if agents had the perception that congress didn't listen to us but this is proof that our voices were heard and now agents feel more safe while doing there job knowing that they are protected." - Takisha Washington Gower, DFW, Envoy We will stay vigilant and are examining the next steps to ensure this is implemented properly.