In this Issue:

• A Message from your President - "The TA"

Dear Members,

Now that the TA is out I am able to share with you the reasons that I recommended a "NO" vote. Although you will see as you read the language for yourselves, there have been some improvements such as "pure rest", minimum day values and duty rigs; there have also been some drawbacks. Some of these I will mention below:

Changes to our Scope language, a lackluster pay increase even though we agreed to separate from the Pilots, a provision to ensure a Short Term Disability program for the West (which is something we on the East have been trying to procure for years), reduction in sick accrual, duration of the Contract is too long, no enhancements to retirement benefits, many of the step increments for Vacation remaining status quo on the East with the West losing substantial days. In addition, there are unsatisfactory changes to the RSV system such as creation of an apparent new bucket system, extension of a new OPR shift at company discretion, and RSVs being charged more for sick time per day than a lineholder will be charged to name a few.

There was very strong language that I believe could be less advantageous for our membership than our current language provides.

I feel that the East Flight Attendant group is ultimately bearing the cost not only for this joint contract but also for creating parity within the F/A group as a whole. Understandably our primary goal is to ensure that all F/As (east and west) at US Airways achieve a single non- concessionary contract. We have all endured lengthy processes within our respective negotiations and I know that we are all weary from the years of fighting this battle. Now is not the time to give up the fight.

Over the next few weeks, I will be providing a series of e-lines that will give you a step by step, factual guide to the changes you will see in the new TA versus our current language. I hope that these, along with your summary and roadshows, will give you enough information to make your own informed decision as to whether or not to ratify the Agreement. Please take the time to access the entire TA on the AFA website or Wings.

In Solidarity,

Cathy

~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Cathy Campbell, Council 89 President   704-808-0461
ccampbell@afausairways.org
 

Glenda Talley, Council 89 Vice President   336-462-1241
gtalley@afausairways.org
 

Beth Carpenter, Council 89 Secretary-Treasurer   704-968-4341
bcarpenter@afausairways.org

 
AFA-CWA AFL-CIO
704-527-0325 Office

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