FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The union representing Fort Worth-based American Airlines is applauding the new Federal Aviation Administration’s new rest rule for flight attendants.
The FAA announced Tuesday that its now mandatory for flight attendants to get a minimum ten hours of consecutive rest between shifts.
The change comes after years of studies that Sara Nelson, Association of Flight Attendants Union Leader, said proved a negative correlation between lack of rest and a flight attendants health.
“Increased risk in cancer, in cardiac issues and in all kinds of respiratory issues. The lack of rest was contributing to those problems,” she said.
Nelson pointed to past changes the federal government made for airline pilots after a deadly plane crash in 2009.
“When the Colgan crash happened, the pilot rest rules were changed essentially overnight on a continuing resolution…but flight attendants were essentially left on the cutting room floor and we had to fight forward,” she said.
Before this week’s FAA change, the mandatory rest rule for most flight attendants was nine consecutive hours although many only received eight.
In a statement, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, said the ruling is welcome change after the past two difficult years.
“The past two and a half years have been incredibly trying for flight attendants who have had to work through the pandemic only to face longer days, more flights, more reschedules and more disruptions. In a profession with early mornings, late nights and changing times zones, flight attendants are highly susceptible to fatigue. Proper rest is critical in a safety-sensitive profession. The 10-hour minimum rest FAR will require that our schedules are built with more than 10-hour rest periods to protect trip continuity in the event of a delay.”
“Flight Attendants across the country are cheering this announcement. Thank you to the Association of Flight Attendants, DOT Secretary Buttigieg, FAA Acting Administrator Nolen, President Biden, T&I Committee Chair DeFazio and our many allies in Congress for making this happen,” said Julie Hedrick, APFA National President.
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