BOD Actions on Merger

At their 30th annual meeting, the AFA Board of Directors voted overwhelmingly to send the proposed merger agreement with CWA to the membership for a vote. The BOD endorsed the merger, and recommends its ratification. Throughout the debate, the delegates focused on the positive impact a merger with CWA will have on our union and on you, our members. CWA has more resources, which come with the support of over 700,000 members. The benefits of strength in numbers and the ability to access things like CWA's multi-million dollar Member Defense Fund during tough fights with airline management make merging with CWA a very compelling proposal.

A merger will also enable us to draw on the support of working people across many industries, which will insulate our union from the dire effects that another disaster, or more bankruptcies, would have on our industry. Recognizing that the members may vote the merger down, the BOD had a responsibility to develop a plan that will go into effect if the merger vote fails. The BOD debated this option at length. In the end, they decided that the union has to be able to remain at least as strong as it is today if the members turn down the merger.

As hard a decision as it was, remaining a separate, strong union will require a dues increase. While a few Board delegates support this as the best option, over two-thirds voted to adopt a contingency budget for next year that will go into effect only if the merger is turned down. That contingency budget includes a $6 per month dues increase that will begin January 1, 2004 if there is no merger.

This decision was not taken lightly, but these have been tough times for everyone - on the line and in the union. The choice came down to this: cut services and raise dues, or move forward with CWA, a progressive union with 700,000 working women and men

behind us.

Voting will take place from 10:00 a.m. (EST) Thursday, November 6th, through 12 noon, (EST) Monday, December 1st.

All voting will be done electronically - via phone or Internet - from anywhere. Ballot packets will be mailed shortly with copies of the BOD resolution, the proposed merger agreement and balloting instructions included. Each member will have the opportunity to decide the future of your union. Not voting will leave the decision to someone else - and that could include leaving the decision to increase dues in someone else's hands.

Please look over the information carefully when it comes. You can get more details from www.afanet.org , the international office's website.

As our industry continues its financial struggles and management tries to take it out on you, the BOD overwhelmingly believes the

best way to fight back is by merging with CWA. That choice will NOT involve a dues increase, and it provides us with access to

resources that we won't otherwise have.

It's up to you. Fly safely, and vote as soon as you can. It's your union, your future. Don't let someone else decide it for you.

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