From the Office of Council 82

Dear fellow Council 82 Flight Attendants,

August 4, 2005
Council 82 Flight Attendants
LaGuardia Airport

Re: Meeting to Recall Ms. Theodora Xidas, MEC President

Please accept this letter as notification of a Special MEC Meeting called by 3 of our LEC Presidents which will be held at the CWA /AFA Office in Washington D.C. on August 5, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. The sole purpose of said meeting is to recall (remove from office) the current MEC President. The meeting was called by Ms. Laura Albert - Council 70-PHL and Mr. Alin Boswell- Council 41-DCA approximately 1 month after taking office in their respective Councils. Mr. Mike Flores has also endorsed this meeting having a brief 1 year tenure in his role as CLT-Council 89 President. The meeting was called without consideration of the balance of the MEC namely Council 69-BOS, Council 40-PIT and me representing our own Council 82-LGA.

First of all, in accordance with Article IX Para B located on Pg 47 of the Constitution and Bylaws wherein states a recall of an MEC Officer would be decided by a majority vote of the MEC conducted on a roll call basis. The following represents the roll call votes based on members in good standing by base:

PHL......2110 votes
CLT......1673 votes
PIT.......705 votes
DCA.......399 votes
BOS.......178 votes
LGA.......163 votes

I think it would be safe to say that through the roll call process, the petitioners of the subject meeting would no doubt be successful; however; I have to question whether 3 LECP's representing 4200 flight attendants are truly conveying the voice of their respective memberships or speaking on their own behalf? 


It is very difficult for me to describe my feelings as I have mixed emotions in regard to the decision to recall any MEC Officer in the absence of any gross misconduct or negligence in the duties of said office. A part of me wants to express anger, yet another part of me is filled with great disappointment in my colleagues of Councils 41-70-89. I was hoping that this relatively junior MEC would act in a responsible manner in working closely together to unite this MEC in representing the interests of YOU, our membership as we move forward in the complex merging process America West and USAirways. I have to ask you "what kind of message does this send to not only USAirways management, but America West management and their MEC as well?" This in my estimation represents an abuse of power for political motivation and posturing at the financial burden of this membership. 

What would be the harm in allowing this MEC President to see her tenure to completion and transition the next MEC President for the benefit of our membership? Do you not believe this leader would not negotiate with the same passion she has in the past? This MEC President has accomplished more than those in the past and under extreme conditions such as Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Court. Teddy has been able to accomplish a number of benefits even after the close of negotiations. Teddy was successful in negotiating an amnesty program to benefit a great deal of this membership. I ask you, Do you believe this MEC President would be in any way detrimental to this body by continuing her hard work right through to her departure date? 

In closing I want to say I promised each of you during my bid for election that I would represent you in a professional manner with dignity and integrity and I plan to deliver that promise in my opposition to this dangerous politically motivated proposal. I have spoken with Deb Ruiz -VP who brings a great deal of Union experience to us and she is appalled at this practice. I welcome your thoughts and comments as always. I will keep you abreast as the process unfolds.


In Solidarity,

Rob Wessinger 
LEC President -Council 82 
Association of Flight Attendants/CWA 
Member AFL-CIO