Sending our Message – Strike Vote Begins Today!

October 31, 2012

Dear Flying Partners,

Today marks a significant step in our negotiations as the Strike Vote opens.  Voting instructions and details about the Strike Vote were mailed to every Flight Attendant on Monday, although delivery may be slowed due to Hurricane Sandy.

We all need more money in our pockets and protections for our future.  Your vote on TA1 and TA2 indicated the majority of Flight Attendants believe the improvements management has been willing to put into a single contract are not enough.  The Company has indicated to AFA they do not intend to make another proposal and will meet only if mediation dates are scheduled by the NMB.  There is no other proposal waiting in the wings.

After thorough review with our professional advisors, we have determined the only way forward is to back up our negotiators with a strong strike vote.  Our negotiators need to return to the bargaining table with a strong demonstration of what US Airways Flight Attendants are willing to do to achieve a contract that can be ratified by all US Airways Flight Attendants.  We encourage you to vote FOR this strike authorization before voting closes on November 20^th at Noon Eastern Time.

Taking a strike vote does not mean that we would go on strike right away.  There is a process under Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act (RLA) and the first step is a continuation of mediation.  Please review the Section Six process posted on ourafa.org and included in the Q & A section.  We also encourage you to watch the CHAOS™ video to learn more about AFA’s strike tactics that provide us with the ability to implement a legal strike with minimum risk to Flight Attendants and maximum impact on management.

We are far from the point where we would be facing a strike.  There is no guarantee that the National Mediation Board (NMB) will schedule additional mediation dates. Our union will be pressing the NMB for additional dates with the clear direction from you that the overall economics in these negotiations must improve.  The process requires us to focus our demands with issues that affect all US Airways Flight Attendants.

There is no way to move forward for a contract that works for all US Airways Flight Attendants without the full backing of the entire membership.  No matter how we move forward, it will require demonstrating your commitment to reaching an agreement we can all ratify.  That means voting FOR a strike authorization and it means wearing your AFA pin every day, taking part in the system-wide, webcast union meeting scheduled for November 12 and joining us for a system-wide day of action on November 14^th.

The decision to take a strike vote is not made lightly.  It was the result of full deliberation of all strategic options.  Despite emphatic arguments made by your JNC, US Airways management has consistently refused to address your concerns.  Through a strong strike vote management will See US Together – Hear US Together.  There is power in our solidarity.  We cannot afford to do nothing.  Our future depends on taking action together.  Read all of the information about a strike vote, ask questions through our union and cast your vote.

If you do not receive your voting information by November 6, please contact AFA-CWA Membership Services at: 800-424-2401,  press 1, and then ext. 706.  We are leaving nothing to chance.  We will be calling every member to remind you about this important vote and to ensure you have received your voting materials.

A variety of resources are available for you to access for accurate information.

At Work:

• Check AFA Bulletin Boards

• Check your AFA Mail File

• Get the latest Hot Topic cards from a Mobilizer

On-Line:

Go to ourafa.org regularly

• November 12th Live Webcast at 2pm ET/12 Noon PHX

• Select “Get E-lines” to sign up for email updates

• Take part in the Webcast on November 12 & Watch Other Videos

• Read the latest Q&A  – Submit your Questions Too

• Combat Rumors – Check the Fact of the Day

Telephone:

• Hear the Latest News at: 1-855-4USA-AFA