In this Issue

April 20, 2012    

• Our Contract First

• Accessing The Hub

• AFA Local Numbers

Dear Members,

Our Contract First

A few moments ago a joint statement was released by the three largest unions representing American Airlines employees regarding their support of a merger with US Airways. 

Our message is clear: we must reach a single agreement that addresses our contributions to US Airways prior to any new merger deal.

The sacrifices of our combined membership have directly contributed to the success of US Airways despite management's inability to complete the merger between the two pre-merger carriers.  We appreciate innovative efforts for an airline business model that supports jobs with good wages, work rules, benefits and a secure retirement.  That starts at home.  Any new deal must first acknowledge the contributions of US Airways Flight Attendants through a single contract with job security and improvements promised to Flight Attendants involved in the last merger initiated by US Airways management.  Seven years later our deal still isn’t done.

There is a small window of opportunity for US Airways management to get this right.  We need your attention and engagement in the process.  As soon as the contract survey instructions reach your home please go on-line to complete the survey and provide your feedback.  Make plans now to attend one of the Town Hall meetings that will begin May 9^th.  Look for information to arrive at your home today or over the weekend.

This morning, together with your Local Council Presidents, we are meeting with our International Officers, our AFA General Counsel and our AFA Director of Collective Bargaining.  We have our experts fully engaged in review of a potential merger.  We know you will have many questions and we will work diligently to answer all of them.  Please help us respond to your questions by seeking information directly from our union.  

Information over the coming weeks will remain very fluid.  The dynamics of a bankruptcy with hungry creditors and shareholders who want the highest dollar for their investment creates an environment where anything can happen.  Avoid rumor and speculation.  We must make decisions together that are based in fact.  Through our unity and attention to accurate information, we will make good decisions for our future.

In Solidarity,