WASHINGTON - As part of a deal brokered by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, American Airlines will recall 211 flight attendants who were furloughed in 2001, in the aftermath of the airline industry slowdown from the September 11th attacks. Those recalled will be activated effective Nov. 17th, in time for the busy holiday travel season.

"This has always been about fairness for these workers-and I'm thrilled that they'll now have the opportunity to return to their jobs," McCaskill said. "For the first time since 2001, there isn't a single American Airlines flight attendant furloughed, and that makes this long fight well worth it."

When TWA merged with American Airlines, TWA flight attendants were placed at the bottom of the seniority list. In 2001, American Airlines laid off 2,500 flight attendants, including many former TWA employees. The furloughed flight attendants were guaranteed the right for five years to reclaim their jobs if American Airlines made new hires. As their recall rights were set to expire in 2008, McCaskill fought to broker a deal between the employees and the airline to extend their rights.

After previous recalls, including those in 2010 and 2011, all 2,500 workers have now had the option of returning to their positions, including hundreds of jobs that have been filled in Missouri.

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