As one of the countless airline employees, who face years and years of negotiations, while airlines secure billions of dollars in revenue at our expense, I can attest to the urgent need for an overhaul of the laws that govern us and our rights to negotiate. The current system is not serving those it should protect, and instead favoring airlines and their shareholders. 

The Railway Labor Act, which has governed disputes between air and rail carriers and their workers since 1926, is now woefully out of touch with the contemporary challenges we face. In 2026, the Railway Labor Act will be 100 years old. Imagine working under 100 year laws in today’s time. As a fan of history, I appreciate the Act for what it was but as an airline worker, I realize how it fails to safeguard employees' rights and interests in present times (100 years later).

Under the Act, workers are forced to engage in prolonged negotiation processes, often lasting years. Meanwhile, the airlines continue to profit handsomely. According to The International Air Transport Association, in 2018 airlines worldwide garnered a net profit of $30 billion. 2019 - 26.4 billion. Since COVID, 2023 - 27.4 billion. 2024, thus far 30.5 billion. The airline industry has fully rebounded and yet, their employees have had to wait on wage increases and improved working conditions due to the drawn-out negotiation processes which are stipulated by the outdated Railway Labor Act. (source: IATA Economics, 2019) 

It's time we updated this Act to reflect the realities we face today. Workers need faster processes that allow them to negotiate more effectively. We need better protection and provisions for wage increases and conditions of work. We request a revision of the Railway Labor Act that takes into account the current and future challenges of airline workers. This can no longer be delayed. If you agree that it's time for change, then please sign this petition.