From the Office of Council 82

May 23, 2005

We enter into yet another phase of our careers at USAirways with the recent news of the proposed merger with America West. We must be cautiously optimistic as we look ahead as mergers can be beneficial to some and adversely affect others. I am writing you today to assure you will be provided with up to date information as this becomes available to me. I have been receiving many telephone calls and emails from Council 82 members as well as flight attendants based in Pittsburgh with concerns. I will keep you informed as soon as the process unfolds but to speculate on any of the particulars in the absence of supporting documentation would be irresponsible. Many of the concerns are very valid concerns i.e. seniority integration, location of bases and hubs etc. While I am aware that these concerns are of utmost importance to each of you, I want to remind you that many rumors will be spreading around. I only ask you to inquire with the appropriate personnel to dispel ANY rumors. The USAirways MEC will be meeting with America West MEC on many occasions in the upcoming months to resolve the many issues that will face us in this complex merger situation. I will report to you just as soon as this information is available for release. We can speculate on most anything but one thing for certain, should this merger be consummated this will increase the likelihood of our survival at both companies. The success of this merger would position ourselves as a viable carrier in the Low Cost Carrier arena providing direct competition to our rivals at Southwest and Jet Blue and all eyes will be on us in the coming months. This flight attendant group has made tremendous sacrifices to ensure the survival of our company in this troubled industry and I ask you once again to keep a positive attitude as the process unfolds. Let us continue to provide the customer service as we do on a daily basis to do our part in making the marriage of two companies a success. I am available at anytime to answer any questions by telephone or email. 

FLY SAFE!!!!!!!!

In Solidarity,

Mr. Rob Wessinger
RWessinger@afausairways.org
LEC President
Council 82