As we enter a New Year, we often tend to look back to see where we have been in the past year prior to looking at what lies ahead of us. Unfortunately, the ever changing trend of the commercial airline industry has left US Airways as well as other legacy carriers in a compromising position. The emergence of additional Low Cost Carriers entering our key markets, along with the rapidly rising fuel costs have resulted in loss of revenue , jobs, wages and favorable working conditions. These factors have left our companies with no alternative but to seek protection from our creditors through the Federal Bankruptcy Court in order to continue operating. We have all felt and shared in the pain however, I am proud to say our Flight Attendant group has continued to meet the challenges of our jobs and careers on a daily basis and remain committed to providing our customers with a superb customer service experience along with a smile. It is paramount that we continue to provide this service to ensure our survival. Remember, our customers govern our existence.

I just want to touch on the ratification of our 2004 Tentative Agreement. Many of you were in attendance at the Roadshow and I realize more would have been there if it had not been for work related or other prior commitments. I feel all of you have a clear understanding of this agreement and are well aware that it is a concessionary contract. Please be aware that your negotiating committee worked relentlessly for approximately 6 months to reach this agreement and did their very best to secure a package including wages , benefits, and working conditions , a package that 63% of the Flight Attendant group felt they could live with. I will say that our Council 82 /LGA had voted 85.9% FOR this agreement. The alternative to ratification was to return to the Federal Bankruptcy Court on January 6, 2005 with no agreement leaving our fate in the hands of Judge Stephen Mitchell who subsequently abrogated the Collective Bargaining Agreement of the IAM, our Union brothers and sisters here at US Airways. I ask you to join with me in staying committed to all of our labor groups in our continued fight for survival in this declining industry. 

Looking ahead to the New Year we find continued pressure from Low Cost Carriers however, the Marketing and Planning Department previously headed by Mr. Ben Baldanza former Sr. Vice President and his successor Mr. Bruce Ashby, Exec. Vice President. has committed to a modified restructuring plan with increase of service to the Caribbean through Ft Lauderdale, additional flying out of DCA and BOS, as well as an approximately 40 % increase of flying here in LGA. Fuel costs seem to be leveling off and even moderately declining which will help a great deal in competing in the marketplace. In recent days we have received some positive news as the ATSB has agreed to our restructuring transformation plan thus affording US Airways a source to operating capital as we tread through this slow period in the airline industry. We have also met the necessary requirements of G.E. Capital, our largest creditor which will secure additional operating cash. It is my opinion that we will continue to be pressured by the LCC, however, with concessions and sacrifices made on behalf of Labor, the stabilization of fuel prices along with the support of the ATSB and G.E. Capital we can remain a viable carrier and compete in the industry. On a local level we find ourselves in need of additional Flight Attendants in LGA and it is my understanding the company would be providing means to fill these vacancies in the very near future.

Moving forward, I would like to say on behalf of myself, Ms.Debra Ruiz V.P. and Mr. Gary Traube Sec./Treas. that we are all very much committed to working together to provide each of you with the very best Union representation . We will enforce our Collective Bargaining Agreement and send a strong VOICE to the new MEC. I would also like to recognize Mr. Brian Bratlien , Council 82 EAP and Professional Standards Representative for his many hours and dedication in helping our fellow flight attendants in need. In closing, I would like to thank each of you for placing your trust in this new Council 82 administration and I assure you we will represent you with the dignity and integrity you so well deserve. I would also ask you to join me in thanking Mr. Al Fiore for his many years of service to the flight attendants of Council 82.


Fly Safe!!!!

In Solidarity,

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