The board of directors of the nation's largest flight attendants union voted to authorize a strike against airlines unless changes were made in the workplace. The vote was unanimous. The union leaders accused the airline industry of using bankruptcy as a means to lower wages and benefits for employees.

'Almost everywhere we look, flight attendants are being forced to work longer hours with reduced rest time, and all for ever-decreasing wages. This must stop,' said Patricia Friend, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

The four carriers most effected by the union would be US Airways, ATA Holdings Corporation, Hawaiian Holdings Incorporated and United.

The AFA represents flight attendants who work for 46 different airlines. Friend acknowledged that seven of these carriers were in bankruptcy and more may soon follow.

US Airways is one of the airlines in bankruptcy and has asked the judge in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to set aside the collective bargaining agreement it has with the AFA and other unions in order for it to impose a 15 percent cut in salary and a wage freeze for the next four years.

Friend opposed the proposed cuts. 'We want them to withdraw their motions to terminate our contracts and agree to negotiate in good faith,' Friend said. 'But if that fails, on the day that the first flight attendant contract is thrown out by a bankruptcy court, we will exercise our right to self-help by withdrawing our services or going on strike.'

An airline spokesman said a strike would only further weaken the industry which is already losing a lot of money.

Friend wasn't buying it. 'We've had enough,' she said. 'We're tired of playing the victim. We will not sit here quietly and continue to be abused.'