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Union Heroes Save Passengers on US Airways Flight |
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The quick thinking, bravery, experience and extensive training of US Airways Flight 1549 pilot, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles, the crew of flight attendants, the air traffic controllers guiding the flight low over Manhattan and the rescuers were the key factors in yesterday’s “Miracle on the Hudson,” where 155 people survived an emergency landing in the river.
The mainstream media is chronicling the miracle, but as Marcy Wheeler on Emptywheel points out:
What they are not telling you is just about every single one of these heroes is a union member.
They are union members who got that that extensive safety and job training thanks to their union contracts.
Sullenberger, with 40 years of flight experience, served as instructor and safety committee chairman for the Air Line Pilots (ALPA). Following, the US Airways merger with America West, the airline’s pilots are now members of an independent union.
The crew of three flight attendants who shepherded the passengers safely out the emergency exits are members of the Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA). Says AFA-CWA President Patricia Friend:
Flight attendants are highly trained safety and security professionals and today’s successful evacuation is an overwhelming example of the necessary role flight attendants serve on board the aircraft. Flight attendants receive extensive training on emergency evacuations and each year they undergo additional training to ensure their proficiency.
The air traffic controllers who helped route the Airbus A320 around Manhattan, after Sullenberger reported that a bird strike had shut down both engines, are members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). As Reuters reports:
According to controllers, an “eerie calm” defined controller and cockpit communications as options dwindled.
There are fewer controllers working longer hours because of Bush’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has refused to bargain a contract with the union for nearly three years. Yet the controllers continue to “Guide you home,” as their motto states. Says Wheeler:
Someday they will rename National Airport (serving Washington, D.C.) for the work these men and women do to keep us safe in the air.
The ferry crews that immediately responded when they saw the plane in the river are Seafarers (SIU) members. The SIU provides extensive safety training for its members. Marine Engineers (MEBA) members pilot many of the ferries and fireboats that responded. Those police and fireboats that arrived to pull passengers to safety are crewed by members of the Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA). As Wheeler points out:
They are the men and women who performed so heroically on 9/11.
Congratulations to all the brave men and women union members who performed so heroically yesterday.
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Everyone involved yesterday has to be congratulated.I live in New York and I am a union member.Union means together.Yesterday`s miracle is a magnificient achievement of people working together.Liam LTB. Yonkers N.Y.
DUH!!!! As if those of us who log into this BLOG don’t know who keeps our Citizens safe from the get-go ! This Article needs to be sent to the Public Press and Media. All of these Union Members are Heroes just like on September 11th.
This Miracle Brought to You by America’s Unions
by emptywheel
excellent diary on this here at the link, thanks for all you do
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/16/11125/1166/655/684821
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Interesting variety of articles today: the story of the union heroes and the miracle of Flight 1549, and several articles down the story of Rick Berman and his sleazy attacks on unions and Employee Free Choice. Do you think Rick Berman would have a different view if he had been on that flight and seen what union people could do? Just wondering…..or is Rick Berman past any redemption?
Talk about searching for an angle for your cause! How about: “Congratulations to all the brave men and women - who performed so heroically yesterday.” The fact that they are also union members is secondary, and implies that they were somehow braver than the rest of us, who are not union members.
It is not that non-union workers are less brave or less helpful in a time of crisis, but it is the fact that Union members are given the best possible training, fully understand the necessary safety protocols, and have the confidence to do their jobs quickly and effectively, because this is how they have been trained. They have a unique advantage in learning how to handle a crisis, because the training they receive is required and necessary in order for them to keep their jobs. Not only are they paid well because of this, but this is what makes them so valuable as employees.
And a final word: I was deeply moved by this incredible story of self-less heroes, and I did not give it a second thought whether or not these first responders were union members. However, this reinforced the idea that union members are indeed worth their weight. A great big THANK YOU to all of you.
I am amazed at the response of the brave union men and women who saved everysingle person aboard that plane. As a resident of the area, as well as a union member, it makes me proud to know that the labor movement is full of everyday heroes!
Employee Free Choice Act NOW!
My heart goes out to all those who participated and demonstrated their extraordinary professionalism in this incident.
This is about training that exists because of the unions and the union members that donate their time and money to contribute to and negotiate for safety, professional standards, Cockpit Resource Management, and the other committees that often contribute to the financial success of Aviation and its’ safe operation..
Also, the fact cannot be overlooked that when your decisions are based on training instead of “if you’ll keep you’re job” everyone benefits.
Please stop the “hate education campaign” that is being conducted against the Unions.
The story of the “Miracle on the Hudson” is a very welcome relief from the otherwise disturbing news about our economy and the disastrous effects it is having on America’s working class.
Thank you Captain and Crew!
Thank you New Yorkers for braving the elements, and for your selflessness. You risked your safety in order to rescue others. You are all heroes!
Thank you, union members, one and all!
What a great, uplifting story!