Report on AFA/AMW-CWA Informational Rally at
America West Headquarters in PHX
America
West flight attendants, mechanics, pilots, the local AFL-CIO representative and
yours truly picketed outside the America West Headquarters Tuesday morning
during the America West shareholders meeting. As the lone US Airways
representative at the rally, I was at first wondering how I would be accepted on
the picket line. But by the time the chants subsided all the America West Flight
Attendants realized I was there to support them as an MEC representative, and
they in turn showed their appreciation for the support given.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA had organized the rally to protest what
it says are the company's slow and almost non-existent talks in their contract
negotiations. AFA AMW had filed for mediation on Monday and said the
Company's latest offer of a five-year wage freeze, was unacceptable as they have
been without a pay raise since 2002.
The picketers' chants, (which could be heard inside the proceedings, such that
several times Mr. Parker had trouble speaking to the stockholders) "Shame
on Doug", "Negotiate in Good Faith," "Not one Red Cent"
and even the "20 Year Fence" signs, which really had nothing to do
with the failure of the stalled negotiations, were present on the picket line,
along with other signs from the other Unions that joined in support of the AMW
Flight Attendants.
I, as the MEC Communications Chair, will be attending the BOD Meeting in Palm
Springs in October to help keep the membership informed on the proceedings with
direction from the US Airways MEC.
America West Administrative Upcoming Merger Schedule
- September 15th - US Airways
Bankruptcy Hearing in Virginia
- September 20th - "Goodbye to
America West" Party in PHX
- September 27th - New US Airways signs
going up at AMW Headquarters
- Last week in Sept - Administrative
merger could be finalized and about 500 Crystal City employees should move
to the PHX HQ
- October 4th - USAirways moves to the
America West Terminal in PHX
(Please note this is the
"Administrative" merger. The "Operational" Merger will take
between 18 to 24 months)
Thank You,
C.A. "Chuck" Cannaday
MEC Communications Chair
www.afausairways.org
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Judge Mitchell to Rule Friday the 16th
The Honorable Judge Mitchell will make his ruling on US Airways bankruptcy issues Friday morning at 10:00 AM. At that point, he is expected to confirm the airline's reorganization plan, which would be the final step in allowing the airline to emerge from bankruptcy and merge with America West.
We will send out more information tomorrow.
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AFA Disaster Relief Fund
AFA has a Disaster Relief Fund which was established shortly after September 11, 2001. This fund is to help your fellow flight attendants and their families, when their lives are impacted with either a man- made or natural disaster.
With the most recent disaster of Katrina, many of our fellow flight attendants have been impacted with the loss of their homes, and only have what they were able to carry out with them when the evacuation order came.
Your generous financial gift will go directly to our impacted members and retirees. Please send your donation to:
AFA Disaster Relief Fund
C/O AFA International Treasurer
501 Third Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Thank-you
Deborah A. McCormick
USA MEC EAP
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