Dear fellow Council 82 Flight Attendants,

I want to keep the LGA membership abreast of the results of the special MEC meeting held on Friday, August 5 in Washington, DC. The sole purpose of this meeting was to recall the current MEC President, a proposal set forth by Council 41-DCA, Council 70-PHL and Council 89-CLT; just as I had written out to you in my last newsletter. The meeting was called to order and a motion to adjourn the meeting was requested by Council 69-BOS and seconded by myself. The motion to adjourn failed by the majority vote determined by a roll call basis. Every LEC President took the opportunity to speak either "FOR" or "AGAINST" the motion to recall the MEC President. Councils representing BOS-LGA-PIT made a heartfelt, compelling argument based on principles and accomplishments of Ms. Xidas in an effort to reach out to our colleagues representing PHL-DCA-CLT to do the RIGHT THING by allowing her to leave her office with the dignity she so well deserved.  I stated that this type of recall was detrimental to the morale of our membership and created a financial burden on them as well. I also reached out in reminding them we should be "UNITING" and not "DIVIDING" this MEC as we move forward in one of the most crucial mergers of our careers.  Remember, companies have a great interest in dividing and we must show them we are UNITED.

Council 70-PHL indicated to me her main objective for this recall was to provide continuity in our representation in the merging process and she was willing to offer a compromise in achieving that same goal. The LECP PHL, Laura Albert indicated to me her willingness to allow our current President to work side by side a President Elect. I told Laura that her idea initially sounded like a reasonable offer and I would be willing to explore in greater detail that possibility. The question was raised as to how we could accomplish this goal in accordance with our Constitution and Bylaws. The MEC explored the option of electing a new President at the present who would work jointly with the current President. We then asked the intervention of Ms. Patricia Friend, International President AFA/CWA. Ms Friend was helpful in offering alternatives in which we could explore and accomplish this task. Upon much deliberation, the MEC collectively composed a letter of the terms of this agreement which was reviewed and agreed on by Ms. Teddy Xidas

The agreement provides for an election of a new MEC President , one which will take place on August 16, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. to be held at the MEC Office - 200 Marshall Drive - Coraopolis, PA.  All members in Good Standing are welcome to attend. Resumes for the position are now being accepted. Please refer to the MEC E-Line August 6, 2005 for more details regarding the Election.  The effective date the newly elect President will take office is October 17, 2005

I feel optimistic that this relatively junior MEC has been able to reach an accord in fending off this recall and sending an important message to all parties concerned that we are "United". In closing I would like to thank you for your feedback and interest in your Union . Its great to see the support out there and that each of you care about the issues that affect each of us on a daily basis.  Fly Safe!!!!!!!

In Solidarity,

Rob Wessinger
LEC President
Council 82-LGA
Association of Flight Attendants - AFL-CIO