The largest flight attendant union in the United States is sounding the alarm, accusing the Trump administration of launching a dangerous, billionaire-driven attack on federal workers—an assault they say is putting airline passengers at “great risk.”
Website paddleyourownkanoo said that the blistering resolution passed unanimously by its board, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), which represents crew members at major airlines including United, Alaska, and Spirit, condemned what it called the White House’s “illegal” campaign against unions and federal employees. United Airlines’ CEO, a public Trump supporter, was notably singled out in the context of growing ties between corporate leadership and the administration.
“This is nothing short of a coordinated, billionaire-led offensive against working people, sanctioned at the highest levels of government,” the resolution declared.
Led by outspoken union leader Sara Nelson—widely regarded as the most powerful flight attendant in the country—the AFA accused the Trump administration of endangering not just worker rights, but national security and the integrity of the aviation industry itself.
Among the union’s most scathing charges:
- “This administration, under the influence of unelected mega-billionaire Elon Musk, has illegally attacked the union rights of federal workers—threatening the rights of all working Americans.”
- “Through reckless trade policies and the mishandling of sensitive intelligence, this administration has alienated allies, destabilized the economy, and jeopardized our jobs.”
- “ICE, empowered by the administration’s unlawful actions, has deported lawful U.S. residents and violated the constitutional rights of citizens and non-citizens alike.”
- “The government’s pattern of inhumane and illegal treatment of immigrants, tourists, and even U.S. residents is a moral and legal disgrace.”
The union also took direct aim at airlines cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), criticizing those that have signed or are negotiating contracts to carry out deportations. The resolution pledged full support for any flight attendants who refuse to participate in such operations, invoking their ethical and moral convictions.
“We will stand with our members at every step to defend their constitutional rights,” Nelson said. “This isn’t just about labor. It’s about who we are as a country.”
