Veda Shook
Encyclopedia
Veda Shook is the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants
-CWA
, AFL-CIO
. An Alaska Airlines
flight attendant
since 1991, she previously served as AFA's International Vice President for a term beginning January 1, 2007. Today, AFA-CWA represents nearly 60,000 flight attendants at 23 airlines, making it the largest flight attendant union in the world.
When Veda was elected president of AFA's Alaska Airlines MEC, she became an outspoken advocate not only on behalf of the Alaska Flight Attendants, but also for the Flight Attendant profession as a whole. She also organized the Volunteer Organizers for Information, Communication and Education (VOICE) committee, and then employed the VOICE committee to ensure two-way communications with the members of the union during contract negotiations. That led to an industry-leading contract with Alaska Airlines. Veda's approach to negotiations has been both tough and accommodating, fostering cooperative relationships that have benefited Flight Attendants – from compensation increases to work flexibility enhancements to cabin air safety protections to family leave provisions. As MEC President, Veda also spearheaded a diversity movement by creating a committee to work with management to promote a workforce that more closely represents the communities they serve.
Veda also worked to improve the situation for all working mothers at Alaska Airlines by adding newer, more progressive language to the collective bargaining agreement, including a provision to extend maternity leave. Now the mother of two children, Veda continues to advocate for working parents and the ability for all Flight Attendants to care for loved ones.
, she coordinated efforts in western domiciles during AFA’s first Delta campaign. Until she was elected International President in April 2010, Veda directed the union’s efforts in the most recent campaign to organize Delta’s Flight Attendants. While serving as International Vice President, Veda led successful organizing drives for the flight attendants at Lynx Air International
, USA3000, Ryan International
and Compass Airlines
.
on issues of importance to flight attendants, and believes that we can have an impact on airline industry and labor policy.
As International President, Veda is the top officer of AFA, responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the union. She serves as chair of the union's annual convention, the AFA Board of Directors, as well as the union's Executive Board. She is the chief spokesperson for the union, and the primary liaison with other unions and labor organizations, airlines, industry groups and governmental agencies.
Association of Flight Attendants
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA is a union representing Flight Attendants in the United States. In 2011, AFA represents nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants at 24 airlines, making it the world's largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100% on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in...
-CWA
Communications Workers of America
Communications Workers of America is the largest communications and media labor union in the United States representing about 550,000 members in both the private and public sectors. The union has 27 locals in Canada via CWA-SCA Canada representing about 8,000 members...
, AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
. An Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is an airline based in the Seattle suburb of SeaTac, Washington in the United States. The airline originated in 1932 as McGee Airways. After many mergers with and acquisitions of other airlines, including Star Air Service, it became known as Alaska Airlines in 1944...
flight attendant
Flight attendant
Flight attendants or cabin crew are members of an aircrew employed by airlines primarily to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers aboard commercial flights, on select business jet aircraft, and on some military aircraft.-History:The role of a flight attendant derives from that of similar...
since 1991, she previously served as AFA's International Vice President for a term beginning January 1, 2007. Today, AFA-CWA represents nearly 60,000 flight attendants at 23 airlines, making it the largest flight attendant union in the world.
Early career
Veda has been a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines since June 7, 1991. Soon after beginning her career, Veda organized with fellow Portland Flight Attendants to gain local status within the union for the Portland flight attendant base. She then ran successfully to become the first local president of AFA's Portland council.When Veda was elected president of AFA's Alaska Airlines MEC, she became an outspoken advocate not only on behalf of the Alaska Flight Attendants, but also for the Flight Attendant profession as a whole. She also organized the Volunteer Organizers for Information, Communication and Education (VOICE) committee, and then employed the VOICE committee to ensure two-way communications with the members of the union during contract negotiations. That led to an industry-leading contract with Alaska Airlines. Veda's approach to negotiations has been both tough and accommodating, fostering cooperative relationships that have benefited Flight Attendants – from compensation increases to work flexibility enhancements to cabin air safety protections to family leave provisions. As MEC President, Veda also spearheaded a diversity movement by creating a committee to work with management to promote a workforce that more closely represents the communities they serve.
Veda also worked to improve the situation for all working mothers at Alaska Airlines by adding newer, more progressive language to the collective bargaining agreement, including a provision to extend maternity leave. Now the mother of two children, Veda continues to advocate for working parents and the ability for all Flight Attendants to care for loved ones.
Organizing
Veda was recruited to help with AFA’s organizing campaign at Delta Air Lines even before she became president of the Alaska MEC. As a union organizerUnion organizer
A union organizer is a specific type of trade union member or an appointed union official. A majority of unions appoint rather than elect their organizers....
, she coordinated efforts in western domiciles during AFA’s first Delta campaign. Until she was elected International President in April 2010, Veda directed the union’s efforts in the most recent campaign to organize Delta’s Flight Attendants. While serving as International Vice President, Veda led successful organizing drives for the flight attendants at Lynx Air International
Lynx Air International
Lynx Air International was an United States airline based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.- History :The airline was established by C.A. Southerland and Steve Adams in 1989 as the first commercial airline offering direct service from the USA to Cap Haitien, on the north coast of Haiti...
, USA3000, Ryan International
Ryan International
Ryan International may refer to:*Ryan International School*Ryan International Airlines...
and Compass Airlines
Compass Airlines
Compass Airlines was the operating name for two airlines:* Compass Airlines , the name of two Australian airlines* Compass Airlines , a subsidiary of Trans States Holdings, regional carrier flying for Delta Air Lines...
.
International Office
As International Vice President, in addition to her organizing work, she directed AFA’s leadership development, organizational development and internal organizing in support of contract campaigns and legislative battles. Veda also testified regularly before the United States CongressUnited States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
on issues of importance to flight attendants, and believes that we can have an impact on airline industry and labor policy.
As International President, Veda is the top officer of AFA, responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the union. She serves as chair of the union's annual convention, the AFA Board of Directors, as well as the union's Executive Board. She is the chief spokesperson for the union, and the primary liaison with other unions and labor organizations, airlines, industry groups and governmental agencies.