Congratulations! On Monday, December 20, we sent a strong message to US Airways; 99% of those returning valid ballots voted FOR strike authorization. In an exceptionally strong show of Solidarity, 80% of our members exercised their right and returned a ballot.

This overwhelming strike vote gives the Master Executive Council and the International President authorization to call a strike if we don't get a Contract of Choice after going through a 30-day "cooling-off" period. Our goal is to get a contract without a strike but we needed a strong strike vote to send management the message that we are ready to do whatever it takes to get a Contract of Choice.

By placing the very real threat of CHAOStm at the disposal of our MEC, our negotiating posture is strengthened. On behalf of the MEC and our Negotiating Committee thank you for your show of support and giving us the backing we need at the bargaining table.

We also thank the members of the AFA Ballot Certification Committee who spent most of Monday opening envelopes, counting ballots and verifying totals to ensure an accurate result. 

Negotiations

Though last week's negotiations ended with no progress on open sections, the mediators closely observed intense face-to-face talks on issues such as Scheduling, Hours of Service, Benefits, and Compensation.  The mediators made it clear that the NMB is concerned with the large number of open issues and the wide difference between our positions in each section. They have instructed both sides to examine how they can narrow the gap in these issues. 

At AFA's insistence, the NMB has agreed the next set of talks will be held at a neutral location outside Washington, D.C. Therefore, the National Mediation Board set a heavy schedule for face-to-face talks beginning January 3, 2000 in Pittsburgh. 

While disappointed that we were not granted a release, the Negotiating Committee will continue to meet in good faith to negotiate a Contract of Choice while still pressing the NMB to be released if significant progress is not made.

Pilot Bid 2000-02

Effect on Flight Attendant Positions 
April - July 2000 Positions
Here is the effect of Pilot Bid 2000-02

Summary of net changes:
BOS: No change 
BWI: No change
CLT: +189
DCA: - 12
PHL: -120
PIT: + 24

Important Note: Airbus 330 time is NOT included in this summary. The new wide-body will be added to PHL and PIT starting in May 2000. 

Staffing for the A330 will be settled in negotiations. Once an agreement on this issue has been reached, the full effect of this Pilot Bid on flight attendant positions will be announced.

For complete details on the effect of this bid on flight attendant positions, see you crew room bulletin board for the posting.
 
 

Pilot Rest Requirements

New pilot rest requirements, as dictated by pilot FAR's, went into effect Monday, December 13, for US Airways Reserve Pilots. As we are governed by Flight Attendant FAR's, these new requirements do not affect flight attendants. There is no "me-too" language in our Contract with the pilots on the issue of domicile rest.
 
 

Note from the MEC Safety and Health Committee

Deadheading Crewmembers may leave their seats while the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated provided they are assisting the working crew. If you are deadheading and not assisting the crew, you must observe the fasten seat belt sign. Adhering to these procedures ensures your safety and compliance with the FAR.

Negotiations ended this week with no progress on open sections.  However, the mediators closely observed intense face-to-face talks on issues such as Scheduling, Hours of Service, Benefits, and Compensation.  The mediators made it clear that the NMB is concerned with the large number of open issues and the wide difference between our positions in each section. They have instructed both sides to examine how they can narrow the gap in these issues. 

The National Mediation Board has set a heavy schedule for face-to-face talks in January. While disappointed that the NMB did not grant our request for a release, we will continue to meet in good faith to negotiate a Contract of Choice while still pressing the NMB for a release if significant progress is not made. At AFA's insistence, the NMB has agreed these talks will be held at a neutral location outside Washington, D.C. 

There is still time to do your part to show the company that we are determined to fight for a Contract of Choice. Vote "FOR" strike authorization. If you don't vote, your opinion won't be counted and your voice will not be heard.

If you have not mailed your ballot yet, it's not too late to vote. Send your ballot via Express Mail with overnight delivery. Ballots must be received by 9:00, Monday morning at the AFA International Office. 

For Express Mail, send your ballot to:

      Association of Flight Attendants
      Ballot Certification Committee
      1275 K St NW Suite 500
      Washington DC 20005

      Telephone 800-424-2401

If you have any questions regarding express mailing your ballot, please contact your LEC President.

Lynn Lenosky, MEC President, will hold a press conference at the Pittsburgh International Airport at 6:00pm to announce results of our strike vote to the press. A strong show of support at this press conference will demonstrate the strength of our Solidarity to the Pittsburgh media.

Strike Vote results will be available Monday evening on this Hotline, the *e-line* an electronic newsletter, and the website -  www.afausairways.org.

  If you have NOT received your ballot yet, there is a method by
  which the Ballot Certification Committee will accept a
  "homemade" ballot as long as it conforms with the
  Constitutionally outlined requirements.

  Instructions For a "Homemade Ballot"

    1) The flight attendant should cast their vote on a
       blank piece of paper by writing:

       "I vote FOR on the US Airways Strike/CHAOS Ballot"

                              or

       "I vote AGAINST on the US Airways Strike/CHAOS Ballot"

       Any other writing on the paper may void the ballot.

    2) This piece of paper (BALLOT) should be placed in
       an envelope and sealed.

    3) This sealed envelope should be marked "BALLOT" and
       placed in another envelope.

    4) The outer envelope must bear the identification
      of the voter: 

       * legible name (printed) 
       * council number 
       * address 
       * voter's handwritten signature 

  This information is necessary in order for the vote to be
  validated against the voter eligibility lists. This is for
  tracking purposes only. Once the vote is validated, the
  outer envelope is discarded to ensure a secret ballot.

  If you know it, put your AFA number on the outer envelope. AFA
  number = Airline# (12 for Mainline, 08 for Shuttle) + Employee
number. Send your "homemade ballot" by Express Mail to ensure that it is counted.

If you have any questions regarding making your own ballot or express-mailing your ballot please call your LEC President.

New pilot rest requirements, as dictated by pilot FAR's, went into effect Monday, December 13, for US Airways Reserve Pilots. These new requirements do not affect flight attendants. We are governed by Flight Attendant FAR's. There is no "me-too" language in our Contract with the pilots on the issue of domicile rest.

Deadheading Crewmembers may get up out of their seats while the fasten seatbelt sign is illuminated provided they are assisting the working crew. If you are deadheading and you are not assisting the crew, then you must observe the fasten seat belt sign for your safety and for FAR compliance.

Strike Vote balloting is underway. The count date is Monday,  December 20.  We must show complete solidarity to convince management that we are serious about our contract. If the company believes we are willing to successfully create CHAOS, it may be more willing to move in negotiations. An overwhelming vote to strike will show that kind of solidarity.

If you have NOT received your ballot yet, there is a method by which the Ballot Certification Committee will accept a "homemade" ballot as long as it conforms with the Constitutionally outlined requirements.

* legible name (printed) 
* council number 
* address 
* voter's handwritten signature 

This information is necessary in order for the vote to be validated against the voter eligibility lists. This is for tracking purposes only. Once the vote is validated, the outer envelope is discarded to ensure a secret ballot.

If you have any questions regarding express mailing your ballot or making your own ballot, please contact your LEC President.

Do your part to show the company that we are united in our fight for a Contract of Choice - vote "FOR" strike authorization. Send your ballot immediately. If you don't vote, your opinion won't be counted and your voice will not be heard.

Strike Vote
Strike Vote balloting is underway. If you have already mailed your ballot, thank you. If you still have your ballot please mail it immediately.

During the recent Roadshow Tour, it became quite clear that the majority of Members overwhelmingly supports the Negotiating Committee's efforts to obtain a "Contract of Choice".

Likewise, the Company's concessionary demands are enormously unpopular.

Members show support for the Negotiating Committee and displeasure with the Company in various ways:

Most wear their AFA pin with green ribbon. Others attend a pre-CHAOS event such as picketing, leafleting, or rally. Still  others buy a CHAOS t-shirt to support the Strike Fund. 

The Strike Vote is an opportunity for all members to give a single, loud message in unison. 
 

Strike Vote Balloting
An overwhelming vote FOR strike authorization is the clearest message we can send the Company.

Do your part to show we are united in our fight for a "Contract of Choice":
 

  1) Mark ballot "For" strike authorization. Make no other
  marks as this may invalidate your ballot.

  2) Place only the ballot in the "ballot" envelope. To ensure a
  secret ballot, the envelopes are separated before the count.

  3) Place the sealed "ballot" envelope in the AFA-addressed
  transmittal envelope. Do not remove the voter identification
  label on the transmittal envelope. This label must be left
  attached or the ballot will be voided.

  4) Stamp and mail the transmittal envelope to AFA promptly.

Ballots will be counted on the morning of December 20. Given the increased mail volume with the holidays, complete and mail your ballot immediately for it to arrive at AFA in time.

No ballot yet?
If you have not received your ballot yet, please contact your LEC President for a duplicate immediately. December 20 is approaching fast.

  LEC Presidents:

  BOS - Shuttle Jan Cadwell 617-884-5014
  jcadwell@afausairways.org

  BOS - Mainline Buddy Brannon 978-352-7401
  buddy_brannon@afausairways.org

  BWI - Mollie McCarthy 410-859-0747
  mmccarthy@afausairways.org

  CLT - Steve Hearn  704-527-0325 
  steve_hearn@afausairways.org

  DCA - Shuttle Donna O'Neil 410-266-8706
  doneil@afausairways.org

  DCA - Mainline Karen Leonard 703-799-2404
  karen_leonard@afausairways.org

  LGA - Al Fiore 201-612-8339 
  afiore@afausairways.org

  PHL -  Luther Riggs-Zeigen 215-735-1834
  riggszeign@afausairways.org

  PIT -  Richard Delgadillo 412-262-3375
  richard_delgadillo@afausairways.org
 

 

Already Mailed Your Ballot?
If you have already mailed your ballot "For" strike authorization, Thank You! We will announce the results of the strike vote as soon as the count is available. With over 9,000 ballots to tally, it will take most of the day. 

Check the Hotline 800-654-3143, the website http://www.afausairways.org or your e-mail for the *e-line* on the night of December 20.
 

Negotiations
Your Negotiating Committee will be back at the bargaining on Monday, December 13th for the week at the direction of the National Mediation Board. If there is no agreement by the end of the week, we will again press the NMB for a release.

As in the past, the NMB has wide discretion at this stage. There would be no time line governing their response. 

The Board would decide whether to require the two sides  to remain at the bargaining table or declare an impasse.

If the NMB releases us from negotiations, it will first ask the parties to submit the open issues to binding arbitration. If either party refuses arbitration, the clock begins ticking on a 30-day cooling-off period.

If the 30-day period ends with no agreement, the Company is free to impose their last offer and we are free to create CHAOS(tm). 

Remember, no strike can take place until the end of the 30-day cooling-off period.  And we cannot begin a 30-day cooling-off period until the NMB releases us.

This Hotline will have the latest news from negotiations as it becomes available.

This Hotline will be updated no later than  Saturday, December 18. 

 
The National Mediation Board Responds

As you may know, last Wednesday, the National Mediation Board ordered our Negotiating Committee back to the table for more talks. A senior mediation official will join the week-long sessions which will convene Monday, December 13th in Washington, D.C.

Though an immediate release would have been preferable, the inclusion of a senior mediation official in negotiations indicates the NMB recognizes the escalation of our pre-CHAOS campaign and the importance of our strike vote.

Should this round of talks fail, we will continue to push for a release.

Strike Vote

Strike Vote ballots have been mailed. If you do not receive yours by Tuesday, December 7th, contact your LEC President for another ballot. 

Ballots will be counted on December 20. The clearest message we can send the Company is an overwhelming vote FOR a strike.

Do your part to show we are united in our fight for a "Contract of Choice":

As soon as you receive your ballot, mark it "For" strike authorization.
Make no other marks as this may invalidate your ballot.
Return your ballot to AFA promptly via US Mail.

Given the increased mail volume with the holidays, complete and
mail your ballot immediately for it to arrive at AFA in time.

If you want to be heard and have your opinion count, vote promptly.

Ballots received after December 20 will not count.
 

Roadshows - One More Week

The Negotiating Committee Roadshows continue. If you have questions regarding outstanding contract issues, the strike vote or CHAOStm, do not miss these meetings.

Roadshow Schedule:
PHL Mon   12/6  Marriott PHL Airport                1:00p-4:00p
BWI Tues  12/7  Holiday Inn Airport Elk Ridge Road  1:00p-4:00p 
DCA Wed   12/8  Hampton Inn (formerly HoJo's)      11:00a-2:00p
 

Any member in good standing, including US Airways Shuttle flight attendants, may attend any meeting.
Probationary flight attendants are welcome.
Please bring your USAirways company ID for admittance.

 
Today, the National Mediation Board ordered our Negotiating Committee back to the table for more talks. A senior mediation official will join the week-long sessions which will convene December 13.
Though an immediate release would have been preferable, the inclusion of a senior mediation official in negotiations indicates the NMB recognizes the escalation of our pre-CHAOS campaign and the importance of our strike vote.
Should this round of talks fail, we will continue to push for a release.

Strike Vote

Strike Vote ballots are in the mail and will be counted on December 20. The clearest message we can send the Company is an overwhelming vote FOR a strike.
Do your part to show we are united in our fight for a "Contract of Choice":
As soon as you receive your ballot, mark it "For" strike authorization.
Make no other marks as this may invalidate your ballot.
Return your ballot to AFA promptly via US Mail.
Given the increased mail volume with the holidays, prepare to mail your ballot immediately for it to arrive at AFA in time.
If you want to be heard and have your opinion count, vote promptly.
Ballots received after December 20 will not count.

Roadshows

The Negotiating Committee Roadshows are underway. If you have questions regarding outstanding contract issues, the strike vote or CHAOStm, do not miss these meetings.
 

CLT Thurs 12/2  Airport Auditorium                 11:00a-2:00p 
BOS Fri   12/3  Holiday Inn East Boston             1:00p-4:00p 
LGA Sat   12/4  Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza         11:00a-2:00p

PHL Mon   12/6  Marriott PHL Airport                1:00p-4:00p
BWI Tues  12/7  Holiday Inn Airport Elk Ridge Road  1:00p-4:00p 
DCA Wed   12/8  Hampton Inn (formerly HoJo's)      11:00a-2:00p

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