Episode 22: What Changed When I Joined a Union

Former SkyWest Airlines Flight Attendant and former SIA President Romero Malone joins Stephanie to share what changed when he moved to United Airlines, where Flight Attendants are represented by AFA-CWA and work under a negotiated contract. Romero reflects on the difference independent representation, enforceable protections, and a stronger voice on the job can make—not just in workplace rules, but in how it feels to build a career as a Flight Attendant. For listeners outside SkyWest, SIA—the SkyWest Inflight Association—is a management-funded employee organization, not an independent union with collective bargaining rights. With experience at both SkyWest and United, Romero offers a powerful perspective on what’s possible when Flight Attendants have a real seat at the table. It’s an inspiring conversation about growth, dignity, and believing we can create something better together.

In this powerful new It’s Time Live podcast episode, SkyWest Flight Attendants Brandon, Kelly, Stephanie, and Gailen speak candidly about what’s really happening on the line—and why building our SkyWest AFA union is more urgent than ever.🔹 Reserves called outside their RAP? It’s happening—Flight Attendants are being pressured to work trips they are not required to take, per company policy. But without a union contract, management can twist or ignore that policy however they want. They say, “We called you,” but won’t show proof—and SIA won’t help. With a union, we’ll finally have the right to access call logs, enforce fair rules, and stop abuse before it costs someone their job.🔹 Brandon's AFA pin story: Threatened by management for wearing his union pin—but protected by AFA Legal and backed by a strong union network that knows the law and stands up to retaliation.🔹 Probationary Flight Attendants deserve support, too. While our union won’t be able to get involved in individual disciplinary actions during the probationary period, we will be able to hold management accountable for any violations of our contract—regardless of whether the Flight Attendant involved is on probation or not. And we’ll make it a top priority to shorten SkyWest’s unusually long probationary period, so newer Flight Attendants can gain full union protections and benefits as soon as possible.But to have a contract we can hold the company to, with the protections that come with it, we need to sign and mail in our authorization cards. Get yours today at ⁠ooitstime.com⁠.This episode is a powerful reminder that we deserve more—and together, we can win it.💬 “Every card gets us closer. If you’ve signed a card—hand out a card!”

In Episode 20 of the *It’s Time Live* podcast, experienced SkyWest Flight Attendants share their vision for what should be prioritized in the first legally binding contract negotiated under a SkyWest AFA union. They discuss the need for a restructured pay scale that rewards Flight Attendants more quickly and consistently, along with regular cost-of-living adjustments to ensure wages keep up with inflation. Addressing these changes would create more stability and fairness in compensation, making it possible for Flight Attendants to achieve their financial goals. The conversation also explores the importance of improving benefits and retirement options, such as expanding healthcare coverage and securing retirement travel privileges on all flying partners. With many Flight Attendants planning for their long-term financial security, a stronger 401(k) matching program is seen as essential. Additionally, quality-of-life improvements are highlighted, including the need for better protections against schedule changes and compensation for long sits between flights that currently go unpaid. Finally, the Flight Attendants call for an increase in uniform upkeep allowances to ensure that maintaining a professional appearance doesn’t become a personal financial burden. Overall, they emphasize the need for a union contract that addresses these key areas and provides the legal protections needed to guarantee that these concerns are prioritized. Listen to the full episode of *It’s Time Live* to hear more about their vision for the first SkyWest AFA union contract and think about what you want to see in our first contract!

We are honored to share our latest episode of “It’s Time Live,” featuring Romero Malone, former SkyWest Flight Attendant and President of the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA). Romero's journey highlights his strength of character and efforts to change SkyWest's culture. His story underscores the need for an independent union to truly represent and protect SkyWest Flight Attendants. Romero made history as the first Black SIA President, striving to improve the lives of SkyWest Flight Attendants. Unfortunately, his tenure was plagued by racism and a lack of support from management. Despite his advocacy, the SIA Board, in coordination with management, forced him out. In this interview, Romero shares his experiences, from facing viral racist text messages to the lack of separation between SIA and SkyWest management. His story underscores the importance of having a union that genuinely stands up for its members, free from management’s control. Watch Romero's full interview here. The AFA-CWA Constitution and By-Laws enshrine the union’s commitment to fighting racism and bigotry. Key sections include: Mission Statement (Article I): AFA-CWA is dedicated to eliminating discrimination and harassment. Objectives (Article III): The union aims to foster a safe and healthy workplace. AFA-CWA has a proud history of advocating for diversity and inclusion: Advocacy for LGBTQ Rights: Among the first to support LGBTQ flight attendants. Civil Rights Movement Support: Critical role in supporting Black flight attendants. Trailblazers in Leadership: Leaders like Keturah Johnson advancing diversity. Unite for a better future for SkyWest Flight Attendants. Send in your authorization cards and join AFA-CWA. Our SkyWest AFA union will protect anyone facing discrimination, ensuring management addresses these issues fairly. Onward and upward!

Note: Please check the latest notes for this podcast on the OO It's Time website Welcome to Episode 18 of "It’s Time Live," where we delve into everything new SkyWest flight attendants need to know about joining the airline and how union representation can enhance their careers. Hosted by Gailen David from the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and Salt Lake City-based SkyWest Flight Attendant Jacque Crossley, this episode provides valuable insights for new hires, those in training, or anyone considering a career with SkyWest Airlines. Introduction to SkyWest Airlines SkyWest Airlines operates Delta, United, Alaska, and American Airlines flights. This setup offers flight attendants excellent flight benefits across these major airlines but requires them to adapt to different announcements, service guidelines, and partner procedures. While demanding, this variety ensures the work is never monotonous. For those who master the PBS (Preferential Bidding System), significant scheduling flexibility is possible once you become a line holder. Tools and Tips for New Flight Attendants Commuting: Crash Pads: Essential for those on reserve to be in base on your on-days. Flight Aware App:Track flights to ease commuting. Airline Apps: Download Alaska, American, Delta, United, and other airline apps.  Spirit Airlines Non-Rev Listing: Use teamtravel.spirit.com/EmployeeTravel.aspx. Check with a coworker or contact LifeLines. Bidding: Bid Transparency Report on SWOL: Familiarize yourself with this to improve your bidding strategy. Access it on the Inflight page under scheduling, then PBS bid transparency. Lifestyle Tips for Flight Attendants Being a flight attendant offers opportunities to travel and meet diverse people, but it can also be lonely during long layovers. Here are some tips to make the most of it: Engage in Hobbies: Bring books or explore new cities during layovers. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family. Take Photos: Capture memories of the places you visit. Absences and Calling Out Understanding the company's policy on absences is crucial. SkyWest allows five excused absences during probation, but management has terminated Flight Attendants for less. Follow these steps: Policy Familiarity: Review SP2307 in the FA Policy Manual and the "Standards, Expectations & Requirements" on the New Hire Support page on SWOL. Emergency Procedures: Know what qualifies as an emergency and follow the proper submission process through the excused occurrence submission page on SWOL. LifeLine Support Group: Use this peer support resource for help with calling out, bidding, policy questions, and more. SkyWest Culture and Union Advocacy SkyWest has evolved. While it once prioritized employee care, its focus has shifted more toward cost-saving measures and shareholder profits. This change has fueled the need for a real union, like SkyWest AFA, to ensure that flight attendants have a voice and are protected through a negotiated contract. Union Benefits: Improved Working Conditions: Single-occupancy hotel rooms, better pay, benefits, and working hours. Safety Regulations: Successfully fought to keep knives off planes, ban smoking, and establish regulations for extreme temperatures and poor air quality on aircraft. Representation: AFA-run unions, led by fellow flight attendants, ensure that industry standards are upheld and that the company remains accountable. Training and Probation SkyWest's training program is one of the most rigorous in the industry. Be prepared, read everything thoroughly, and adhere to all guidelines. Probation starts after completing your inflight operating experience (IOE) and can be extended by the company for various reasons. A union can help standardize these policies and protect new hires from arbitrary changes. We Are Better Together! The SkyWest AFA campaign aims to give flight attendants the representation and protection they deserve. Signing an Authorization Card supports establishing a real union at SkyWest, which can negotiate better working conditions, pay, and benefits for all flight attendants. Engaging with union efforts is your legal right, and management will never see your signed Authorization Card. For more information and support, visit ooitstime.com. Share this information with your classmates and colleagues to empower everyone with the knowledge needed to succeed and thrive at SkyWest Airlines. Fly safe!

In Episode 16 of “It’s Time Live,” Gailen David and Jacque Crossley address misinformation about unionization spread by SkyWest management. They debunk myths and clarify the benefits and processes of forming a SkyWest AFA Union. Jacque clarifies confusion surrounding Authorization Cards and the importance of sending them in to ensure a vote for union representation. The episode also covers how SkyWest management's misinformation campaigns and "union avoidance" efforts are designed to prevent flight attendants from gaining union power. Additionally, the discussion highlights that there are ZERO DUES until an initial contract is approved, refuting management's scare tactics about dues. They also discuss management’s motivation to prevent Flight Attendants from gaining the power their SkyWest AFA will bring to their workgroup. The episode closes by encouraging flight attendants to seek accurate information and participate in the SkyWest AFA campaign to improve their working conditions and rights.

In this "More in 2024" Town Hall, Sara Nelson, AFA-CWA Int'l President, and John Morse, AFA-CWA Associate General Counsel, take questions from a panel of SkyWest Flight Attendants. Learn about the job protections and support available to members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA that SkyWest Flight Attendants currently don't have. With our SkyWest AFA Union, we gain a true voice at SkyWest that management doesn't control.

 On this episode of the "Its Time Live" podcast, we discuss the recent ten days of action for the SkyWest AFA Flight Attendant Union campaign. We recapped the events at our different bases across the US and highlighted the importance of growing the campaign and getting more Flight Attendants involved. We also discussed how to get more of our coworkers connected to the campaign and sign authorization cards to get us to a vote this year to establish our SkyWest AFA Union. Our Union will be run by us, for us!

In this “It’s Time Live” episode, we discuss our January 10 Days of Action! Of course, the action items we discuss can be done anytime, but we break them, down by day in January to make getting started easier. Plus, you’ll probably find an action item that you’re really good at. Do what comes naturally to you and help make this happen!  Before you know it, these action items will become second nature and help make our SkyWest AFA Union a reality faster than we ever imagined!

The most recent episode of “It’s Time Live” offered a fascinating exploration into the critical roles and challenges faced by Flight Attendants, mainly focusing on the ongoing contract negotiations within the industry. Guests from American and Southwest Airlines provided a window into their experiences, highlighting the crucial nature of this time for Flight Attendants at all airlines. A United Front Against Corporate Dominance At the heart of these negotiations lies a significant struggle against corporate greed. Unions from Alaska, American, Southwest, and United are fighting not only for fair wages and conditions but also for respect and dignity within the workplace. This battle symbolizes a greater movement within the industry, transcending individual needs and focusing on collective rights. The Ripple Effect Across the Industry What makes these negotiations noteworthy is their impact beyond individual airlines. Decisions made at one carrier often set trends for others, including non-unionized companies. Therefore, the implications of these negotiations extend across the entire sector, making them a pivotal point for the future of aviation professionals. Insights from the Frontline SkyWest Flight Attendant Jacque Crossley joined the conversation, bringing firsthand experience and deep insight into the ongoing challenges. Crossley's perspective was instrumental in shedding light on the broader implications of these negotiations for Flight Attendants everywhere. Solidarity as the Key A central theme that emerged from the discussion was the importance of solidarity among Flight Attendants. In facing these challenging times, standing together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another is crucial. This solidarity is essential not only for navigating current difficulties but also for forging a better future for those in the profession. Conclusion The episode concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. The road ahead for Flight Attendants and their unions is undoubtedly filled with hurdles, but it also promises positive change. These negotiations are more than contractual discussions; they represent a step toward a fairer and more respectful industry. The journey is ongoing, but with unity and determination, a better future for all in the aviation sector is within reach. SkyWest Flight Attendants deserve to have their voices heard and a contract worthy of their contributions to SkyWest and the mainline carriers they serve.