The Importance Of Sleep!!

Today I was in Washington DC and it was not one of my normal layovers!  Today I took part in one of the political actions of my Flight Attendant Union.

The 'Fight For 10' is a movement to get a minimum 10 hour rest for Flight Attendants. Pilots already have this protection as part of Federal Law but we do not. Some Flight Attendants have minimum layover protection as part of their Union contract but many have no contractual protection. As safety professionals dealing with all types of emergencies, it is vitally important that we get adequate rest while on layovers and at home. What we can legislate is one less thing that has to be negotiated.

Today we had a Rally at the US Capital. There were short speeches by Union Leaders and Politicians during the first part. Flight Attendants from numerous airlines and various Unions are involved, along with the Pilots and other aviation groups, and we have support from Senators and Congressmen from both parties.  Particularly compelling were 3 moving stories of lives that were saved by Flight Attendants - Aviation's First Responders. What if those events had taken place when they were fatigued after only 4 or 5 hours of sleep?

During the 2nd part (after I left), Flight Attendants broke into small groups and went to visit the offices of the Senators and Representatives from all 50 states. This was a crucial day on the hill as the language of the Bill was being written today. They knew we were coming!!  

Although many said it couldn't be done, we have had great success at every hurdle. The Fight is not over but we have won various battles and are hopeful that we will gain this important legislation and achieve parity with the Pilots.

The 'odd one out' of these pictures is the bottom left - the US Supreme Court - just across the street from the US Capital. The news was abuzz as the President had just today nominated a new Supreme Court Justice after one of the 9 judges recently passed away.  The nomination process is never free of controversy so it was a big news day today!  

It's always interesting being in our nation's capital!