Flight Attendants Push for Increased Security

The head of the nation’s largest flight attendants union warned of a possible one-day walkout by members unless airlines launch new security measures, including the screening of all checked baggage.

Patricia Friend, president of the 50,000-member Assn. of Flight Attendants, dismissed security precautions taken so far as “window dressing” that would fail to prevent another terrorist attack. “We are as vulnerable today as we were on the 10th of September,” she said.

Friend, who spoke to reporters after meeting in Los Angeles with flight attendants from several airlines, said members are frustrated with the pace of reform.

Friend, who was scheduled to talk with Federal Aviation Administration officials today, said no date had been set for such an action.

The union, which represents flight attendants at United Airlines, America West and more than a dozen smaller airlines, also has called for tougher screening of ground personnel, including baggage handlers, fuelers and caterers.