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Ballot Count Date, Rumor Control, OSHA Now! |
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Where Are We Now?, Ballots Postmarked by Monday April 24th, Are You Still Ready to Strike? |
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Now It's Up to You, Will You Get a Ballot?, What Happens Next? A Timeline |
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Ballots Are in the Mail Will You Get One?, Solidarity Paid Off, It's Up to You, Rumor Control |
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Roadshows, Tentative Agreement Summary |
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MEC Unanimously Endorses the Tentative Agreement, Ratification Timetable, Summary of the tentative agreement |
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Some Key Points of the Tentative Agreement, Roadshows |
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A Tentative Agreement Has Been Reached, |
Rumor
Control
The
Contract Communications Center is still open and taking your questions
about the Tentative Agreement. Call the CCC toll-free: 877-652-9121 or
check the website Here. Your local officers are also available for
your TA-related questions.
OSHA
Now!
Many of the injuries occuring in our workplace could be
prevented if airlines were required to meet standards set by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. More than
204,000 lives have been saved since OSHA was created. Injury
rates on the job have fallen, too.
But flight attendants are not protected by OSHA's regulations.
Working together we can help stop the painful and even
debilitating injuries and illnesses flight attendants suffer
on the job.
Tell the FAA that Flight attendants need OSHA NOW! Attend an
OSHA Now! rally on Worker's Memorial Day.
Or e-mail Jane Garvey, FAA Administrator,
with the message that flight attendants need OSHA NOW!
jane.garvey@faa.gov
Or phone 202-267-3111 or fax 202-267-5047.
Workers
Memorial Day
Join
AFA and other union members on Friday, April 28th, Workers Memorial Day,
to demand OSHA NOW! We deserve the same workplace protections other American
workers enjoy.
Friday, April 28th - Workers Memorial Day
ATL
- Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport
10:00am-12:00pm
LAX
- Los Angeles International Airport
10:00am-12:00pm
Contact
Karin Morris:(310)395-5095
MorrisKar@aol.com
ORD
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport
10:00am-12:00pm
Meet
at United Airlines Departure level, Terminal 1
SEA
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
10:00am-12:00pm
DCA
- FAA Headquarters
800
Independence Avenue
Washington,
DC
12:00pm-1:00pm
Take
the Metro yellow line from Airport, to the L'Enfant stop.
For
more information, call 1-800-424-2401 X 804 or e-mail:
CKAIN@flightattendant-afa.org
Thank you for staying informed.
In
Solidarity,
Lynn
Lenosky
MEC
President
Call this Hotline or check the website no earlier than 5:00pm on Monday for the results of the ratification balloting for the Tentative Agreement.
There are no more deadlines or mediators. The National Mediation Board is no longer involved in the process.
We are back to our position of March 25th: we are free to strike/CHAOS and the Company is free to impose any work rules/conditions, reductions in benefits, pay, vacation and sick and/or "parity + 1%". Or they may shutdown/lock us out.
We essentially start the process over. There is nothing to force management back to the table or to improve upon the Tentative Agreement.
AFA mailed a summary of the Tentative Agreement to each Flight Attendant's home and recently the Negotiating Committee completed two road shows at each domicile. Local union representatives and NSC's have and continue to be available in crew rooms to answer your questions. Volunteers staffing the Contract Communications Center are there to answer your questions. Additionally, the Company has provided a complete copy of the Tentative Agreement to each Flight Attendant in the crew rooms. AFA has provided you with more information and opportunities to be informed than ever before. At this point all members should be prepared to cast an informed vote.
Ballots
Postmarked by Monday April 24th
Ballots
must be postmarked no later than Monday, April 24th. Ballots postmarked
after the 24th will not be counted. You may get a duplicate ballot by contacting
your Local Officer. You also may make a homemade ballot. Instructions
can be found on the AFA website, through your Local office or by calling
the CCC toll free line at 877-652-9121. The ballots will be counted
on Monday, May 1st at the AFA International office in DCA.
YOUR vote counts. Voting is a right and a responsibility. Be a part of making a decision about your future. DO NOT allow a vocal minority to decide for you. Be sure to have your ballot postmarked by Monday, April 24th.
Rumor
Control
Base
your vote on correct information from AFA, not on rumors or misinformation
learned from someone with ulterior motives or personal agendas. Before
mailing your ballot, make it a point to contact the Contract Communications
Center with your questions toll-free at 877-652-9121 or check the website
http://www.afausairways.org.
Are
You Still Ready to Strike?
All
members must be prepared for either outcome of this very important vote.
If the majority of returned votes are "FOR" the agreement we all must be
prepared to understand and defend our new contract for the next five years.
If, however, the majority of ballots returned are "AGAINST" the agreement, every single one of us must be ready to be the first Flight Attendant to participate in a CHAOS action.
AFA has maintained and continues to develop our strike strategy. At this point, the Company has not stated their response to a failed tentative agreement. We can only prepare for the worst and work for the best.
We encourage ALL members to take an active role in our strike preparation. We especially encourage those who were less than pleased with the Tentative Agreement to channel their energy into these efforts. Follow your vote with action. If you voted "AGAINST" the Tentative Agreement, you should be willing to be one of the first Flight Attendants to demonstrate your solidarity by participating in a CHAOS/Strike action.
Restate
your commitment to the cause. We are in the process of collecting
contact numbers and May block awards for use in potential CHAOS actions
if the Tentative Agreement fails. Complete an online form at AFAUSAIRWAYS.ORG.
If you cannot access the website, call the CCC at 877-652-9121 to learn
how you can get involved. Again, we ALL must be prepared for either
outcome of the Tentative Agreement vote.
In
Solidarity,
Lynn
Lenosky
MEC
President
Association
of Flight Attendants AFL-CIO
Now
It's Up to You
We
are now faced with a choice. It's up to each one of us to vote either "For"
or "Against" the Tentative Agreement. You have less than a week to mail
your ballot. Hopefully, you have attended a Roadshow, asked all of your
questions and are fully prepared to cast an informed vote.
When
you mail your ballot, understand the circumstances we face and vote knowledgeably.
The following are reflective of some the items management wanted from us
in these negotiations:
As
in every negotiations, we did not get everything we wanted. The Negotiating
Committee had to make some tough choices in the final hours of negotiations.
Where
are We Now?
There
are no more deadlines or mediators. The National Mediation Board is no
longer involved in the process.
The 30-day cooling-off period has expired. We have exhausted the process under the Railway Labor Act.
Unlike all previous negotiations, the status quo is not an option. If anyone tells you that we will simply return to the table and pick up where we left off, then they do not understand the bargaining process.
If you hope for a better agreement with a vote "against", please understand the following if this Tentative Agreement fails:
We are back to our position of March 25th: we are free to strike/CHAOS and the Company is free to impose any or all of the items from the above list. Or they may shutdown/lock us out.
We essentially start the process over. There is nothing to force management back to the table or to improve upon the Tentative Agreement.
If you vote "Against" the Tentative Agreement then you must be willing to strike. Striking will be our only alternative if this Tentative Agreement fails.
Will
You Get a Ballot?
Ratification
ballots have been mailed to your home. If you changed your address with
AFA after 12:00 noon on April 3rd you may not receive a ballot. Mailing
labels for the ratification ballots were printed and sent to the ballot
printer on April 3rd, a week before the mail date.
If you do not receive a ballot or if you wish to change your vote, contact your local Council President for a duplicate ballot.
What
Happens Next? A Timeline
Wednesday
April 19, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
PIT
Roadshow
Trios
Meeting and Conference Center
925
Broadhead Road
Moon
Township
(412)264-5620
Rumor
Control
The
best way to check a rumor is to ask about it at a Roadshow. If you cannot
get to a Roadshow then the Contract Communications Center is the next best
resource for rumor control. Call the CCC toll-free: 877-652-9121 or check
the website http://www.afausairways.org.
Don't vote based on rumor. Before mailing your ratification ballot, make it a point to attend a Roadshow or contact the Contract Communications Center with your questions.
The Tentative Agreement, in its entirety, will be distributed by the Company for your review. Look for copies in your local crew room.
AFA HOTLINE 00-24
April 11, 2000Ballots Are in the Mail Will You Get One?
Ratification ballots were mailed to your home yesterday, April 10th. If you changed your address with AFA after 12:00 noon on April 3rd you may not receive a ballot. Mailing labels for the ratification ballots were printed and sent to the ballot printer on April 3rd, a week before the mail date.If you do not receive a ballot and believe you are an eligible voter, contact your local Council President for a duplicate ballot.
Solidarity Paid Off
We all successfully did our jobs during these negotiations:
We built Solidarity among the flight attendants to a level never before seen. We showed the Company that we must be dealt with fairly. We reached out to our Brothers and Sisters in other Unions and asked for and received their support. We went to Congress and explained our plight and found support on Capitol Hill as well.
Our Solidarity in the face of management's threats had the Company on the defensive. This pressure translated into a good Tentative Agreement. Additionally, we won many significant improvements:
Guaranteed pay raises. New pension formula with NO Social Security Offset or Marriage Penalty Access to Family and Medical Leave benefits Job Security Language - Protection of our seniority in the event of a sale or merger. Protection of most of our work rules and quality of life. Enhancements to the Reserve system and addition of Reserve override pay. No parity + 1% no parity reviews.
As in every negotiations, we did not get everything we wanted. The Negotiating Committee had to make some tough choices in the final hours of negotiations. But we won far more than we gave up.It's Up to You
The Negotiating Committee has done their job; they are presenting you a good Tentative Agreement. Now it's up to you to vote either "For" or "Against" this Tentative Agreement. Hopefully, you will have attended a Roadshow, asked all of your questions and are fully informed before casting your vote and mailing your ballot.During negotiations, we took a vote for strike authorization and the choice was clear: "Take massive concessions with a parity review every year" or "CHAOS"? 99% voted to strike.
You now have a choice again. You may vote "for" or "against" this Tentative Agreement but please consider the following:
There are no more deadlines or mediators, the National Mediation Board is no longer involved in the process.
The 30-day cooling-off period has expired. There is no obligation on management's part to start negotiations right away. We have exhausted the process under the Railway Labor Act.
There is also nothing to force management to offer a better contract. Management is free to impose anything they opened during negotiations.
Unlike 1995, when we last voted on a TA, the status quo is not an option.
If you find this deal is ok. but you hope for a better agreement, before you vote "against", please understand this:
If this TA fails, we are back to our position of March 25th: we are free to strike/CHAOS and the Company is free to impose new pay, benefits and working conditions (not necessarily the conditions of this TA) or shutdown/lock us out.
We essentially start the process over. Nothing binds the Company to our contract or the proposed TA.
The Company can impose new pay, benefits and working conditions including the major cuts management was seeking before the TA was reached.
So please ask yourself, "Are you willing to strike over something in this TA or something that should be in this TA?"
The Negotiating Committee faced this same decision on March 25th: risk all of our jobs or reach an Agreement - they chose the Tentative Agreement but not just to avoid a strike.
Each LEC President extensively reviewed this agreement and voted unanimously to send this it out with a recommendation to vote "for". Your LEC President believes this is a good agreement for the following reasons:
The TA improves the working conditions and quality of life of flights attendants and it achieves the goals that the flight attendants outlined for these negotiations.
When you mail your ballot, understand the circumstances we face and vote knowledgeably.
The Tentative Agreement, in its entirety, will be distributed for your review. Look for copies in your local crew room this weekend.
April 24th - Ballot postmark date. You ballot must be postmarked by April 24th to be counted.
May
1st - Ballots counted.
If
TA is ratified, the new Contract becomes effective May 1st.
If the TA fails, a 24-hour status-quo period takes place.
May 2nd - If the TA fails, we would be free to strike/CHAOS and the Company would be free to impose their offer or shutdown/lockout.
Rumor
Control
Don't
buy into rumors. If you hear a rumor about the Tentative Agreement, check
with AFA. If you don't hear it from your union, it's probably not true.
You can use this form as well.
The Contract Communications Center is available to answer your questions about the TA and address any TA-related rumors you have heard. Call the CCC at: 412-262-9223 or check the website http://www.afausairways.org.
CLT:
Wednesday, April
12, 11:00am - 4:00pm
CLT Airport Auditorium
Above the Food Court,
CLT Airport
PHL:
Thursday, April
13, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Embassy Suites Airport
9000 Bartram Avenue
Philadelphia
(215)365-4500
LGA:
Friday, April 14,
11:00am - 2:00pm
Friday, April 14,
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sheraton LaGuardia
East Hotel
135-20 39th Avenue
Flushing, NY
718-460-6666
BOS:
Sunday, April 16,
3:00pm - 6:00pm
IAM Hall
830 Saratoga St
East Boston
617-569-3672
IAM Hall:
Corner of Addison
and Saratoga - Within walking distance of the
Holiday Inn and
the Orient Heights Blue Line T station.
For directions call
Buddy 978-352-7401 or Chris 617-282-1252
DCA:
Monday, April 17,
11:00am - 3:00pm
Marriott Crystal
City
1999 Jefferson Davis
Highway
Arlington, VA
(703)413-5500
BWI:
Tuesday, April 18,
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Comfort Inn - Airport
Complex
6921 Baltimore Annapolis
Blvd.
Baltimore
(410)789-9100
PIT:
Wednesday April
19, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Trios Meeting and
Conference Center
925 Broadhead Road
Moon Township
(412)264-5620
Before mailing your ratification ballot, make it a point to attend a Roadshow and ask your questions.
In Solidarity,
Lynn Lenosky
MEC President
AFA HOTLINE 00-23
April 6, 2000
Roadshows
You have seen some highlights from the Tentative Agreement (TA) and you have heard some rumors. Now get the facts. Find out what the TA is all about.
Attend a Negotiating Committee Roadshow:What Happens Next? A Timeline
Find out why your Master Executive Committee unanimously recommends voting "For" this TA. Understand the entire TA, warts and all. Have your questions answered by those who know most about the TA, your Negotiating Committee.
When it's time to cast your ballot, make an informed decision. Disregard anonymous, uninformed attempts to persuade your vote. Don't vote based on rumors; get the facts at a Roadshow.Bring your US Airways ID for admittance.
Now - April 19th, Roadshows at all bases, see schedule below. April 10th - Ratification ballots mailed to your home. April 24th - Ballot postmark date. You ballot must be postmarked by today to be counted. May 1st - Ballots counted. If TA is ratified, the new Contract becomes effective May 1st. If the TA fails, a 24-hour status-quo takes place. May 2nd - If the TA fails, we would be free to strike/CHAOS and the Company would be free to impose their offer or shutdown/lockout.
Will You Get a Ballot?
Mailing labels for the ratification ballots were printed and sent to the printer on April 3rd, a week before the mail date.If you have changed your address with AFA after 12:00 noon on April 3rd you may not receive your ballot.
If you do not receive a ballot in the mail and believe you are an eligible voter, contact your local Council President for a duplicate ballot.
Make sure that the AFA Membership Department has your correct address. If you have moved recently call Irell Thompson at 800-424-2401 x833. You can also use this form to send your change of address.
Please include your council and employee number.
Tentative Agreement Summary
A Summary of the Tentative Agreement has been mailed to your home. Look for it in the next week. Bring your copy of the Summary to the Roadshow for your reference. Extra copies of the Summary will also be available at the Roadshows.Rumor Control
Don't get caught up in rumors. If you hear a rumor about the Tentative Agreement, check with AFA. If you don't hear it from your union, it's probably not true.The Contract Communications Center is available to answer your questions about the TA and address any TA-related rumors you have heard. Call the CCC at: 412-262-9223.
Road Show Schedule PHL
Friday, April 7, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Philadelphia Airport Marriott
Arrivals Road
Philadelphia Int'l Airport
(215)492-9000Thursday, April 13, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Embassy Suites Airport
9000 Bartram Avenue
Philadelphia
(215)365-4500PIT
Saturday April 8, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesday April 19, 6:00pm - 9:00pmTrios Meeting and Conference Center
925 Broadhead Road
Moon Township
(412)264-5620BWI
Monday April 10, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday, April 18, 3:00pm - 6:00pmComfort Inn - Airport Complex
6921 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
Baltimore
(410)789-9100BOS
Tuesday, April 11, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
85 Terminal Road
East Boston
617-568-6700Sunday, April 16, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
IAM Hall
830 Saratoga St
East Boston
617-569-3672IAM Hall:
Corner of Addison and Saratoga - Within walking distance of the
Holiday Inn and the Orient Heights Blue Line T station.
For directions call Buddy 978-352-7401 or Chris 617-282-1252CLT
Wednesday, April 12, 11:00am - 4:00pm
CLT Airport Auditorium
Above the Food Court, CLT AirportLGA
Friday, April 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Friday, April 14, 3:00pm - 5:00pmSheraton LaGuardia East Hotel
135-20 39th Avenue
Flushing, NY
718-460-6666DCA
Monday, April 17, 11:00am - 3:00pmMarriott Crystal City
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA
(703)413-5500Hope to see you at the Roadshows.
In Solidarity,
Lynn Lenosky
MEC President
AFA HOTLINE 00-22 March 31, 2000
MEC Unanimously Endorses the Tentative Agreement
After a thorough and detailed review of the tentative agreement in Washington, D.C., the Master Executive Council has voted unanimously to send the tentative agreement out to a vote of the membership, with a recommendation that members vote "FOR" the agreement.Roadshows
To ensure that all your questions are answered and that you fully understand the entire tentative agreement, you are strongly encouraged to attend a Roadshow.Bring your US Airways ID for admittance.
When it's time to cast your ballot, make it an informed one. Don't vote based on rumors. Get the facts at a Roadshow.
Road Show Schedule
DCA: |
PIT: |
Mailing
labels for the ballots will be printed and sent to the printer on April
3rd, a week before the mail date.
If you change your address with AFA after 12:00 noon on April 3rd you may not receive your ballot in time for the April 24th postmark deadline.
If you do not receive a ballot in the mail and believe you are an eligible voter, contact your local Council President for a duplicate ballot.
To avoid having to obtain a duplicate ballot, make sure that the AFA Membership Department has your correct home address today. If you have moved recently Email Irell Thompson at ithompso@afanet.org or call 800-424-2401 Ext. 833. Please include your employee number and council.
Rumor
Control
As
was the case in negotiations, if you hear a rumor about the tentative agreement,
check with AFA. If you don't hear it from your union, it's probably not
true. Don't get caught up in rumors. You can use this form as well.
The Contract Communications Center is available to answer your questions about the TA and address any TA-related rumors you have heard. Call the CCC at: 412-262-9223 or e-mail them at ccc@afausairways.org
Continue
to stay informed.
In
Solidarity,
Lynn
Lenosky
MEC
President
AFA HOTLINE 00-21 March 28, 2000
Congratulations and Thank You
The nation held its breath in the early morning hours of March 25th as it awaited news from the bargaining table in Washington D.C. Would a lockout be averted? Would CHAOS be avoided at USAirways? Happily the answer was "yes". A Tentative Agreement (TA) was reached with management.In the end, it was your solidarity and strength that got this agreement. Thank you for taking an active part and getting involved in the negotiating process. This clearly demonstrates the power of a Union when its members get together and collectively make their voices heard.
The top labor leader in the country, John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO sent congratulations, "I commend the solidarity of the flight attendants...for standing up to a profitable company...the flights attendants' win proves an age-old lesson - when working women and men join together and stay together they win."
A Special Note of Thanks from The Negotiating Committee
We are deeply indebted to all those who showed support during these negotiations , especially to those who sent cards, care packages and flowers to the Committee. There were many times during the last week of supermediation when we found your outpouring of support a great source of strength. On behalf of the Negotiating Committee, "Thank you".
Some Key Points of the Tentative Agreement
Shortly, you will receive a letter from the Negotiating Committee listing key points from the Tentative Agreement. This information will also be posted on our web site, sent out via the *e-line* and posted on AFA bulletin boards. Here are a few highlights from that letter:
Improved Job Security - Secured additional protection in the event of a partial transaction and increased seniority protection in the event of a merger or acquisition.Signing Bonus - 5% lump-sum based on W-2 earnings in the year (24 pay periods) preceding ratification.
Pay Raises - 5% increase on Date of Signing (DOS - the ballot count date, May 1); additional 2% increase on DOS + 18 months; additional 2% increase on DOS + 30 months; additional 2% increase on DOS + 42 months.
New Pension Formula with No Social Security Offset and No Marriage Penalty - F/As guaranteed higher of current or new formula.
Family & Medical Leave Act Protection - (NEW) Won extension of FMLA protection to F/As.
No "Parity" Review.
Negotiating Committee Meets with the MEC
The Negotiating Committee will meet with the MEC starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 29th, to review the tentative agreement in detail. Meetings are scheduled to last through Friday, and beyond, if necessary. Once the MEC has studied the agreement, they will decide whether to recommend that the Membership vote "for" or "against" the Tentative Agreement.Summary of the Tentative Agreement
A Summary of the Tentative Agreement is being prepared and will be mailed to your home. The process will take about a week.Roadshows
To ensure that all your questions are answered and that you fully understand the entire agreement, you are strongly encouraged to attend a Roadshow. The dates and times of the Roadshow schedule are set. Bring your US Airways ID for admittance. The exact meeting sites will be announced later this week.When it's time to cast your ballot, make it an informed one. Don't vote based on rumors. Get the facts at a Roadshow.
DCA:
Wednesday April 5, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday April 17, 11:00am - 3:00pmCLT:
Thursday April 6, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday April 12, 11:00am - 4:00pmPHL:
Friday April 7, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday April 13, 11:00am - 4:00pmPIT:
Saturday April 8, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday April 19, 5:00pm - 9:00pmBWI:
Monday April 10, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday, April 18, 3:00pm - 6:00pmBOS:
Tuesday April 11, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday, April 16, 3:00pm - 6:00pmLGA:
Friday, April 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Friday, April 14, 3:00pm - 5:00pmRatification Timetable
Ratification ballots will be mailed to your home on April 10th.Your ballot must be postmarked by April 24th.
The ballots will be counted on May 1st.
Make sure that the AFA Membership Department has your correct home address. If you have moved recently call Irell Thompson at 800-424-2401 x833 or send e-mail to ithompso@afanet.org.
Rumor Control
The Contract Communications Center will be open next week to answer your questions about the TA and address any TA-related rumors you have heard. Call the CCC at: 412-262-9223 or e-mail at ccc@afausairways.orgAs was the case in negotiations, if you hear a rumor about the Tentative Agreement, check with AFA. If you don't hear it from your union, it's probably not true. Don't get caught up in rumors.
Website Temporary Address
Because of technical difficulties, our website has a temporary new address. Use http://216.247.216.252 until we are notified that the difficulties have been resolved.In Solidarity,
Lynn lenosky
MEC President
AFA HOTLINE 00-20 March 25, 2000
Once all of the specifics have been assembled, your Negotiating Committee will provide you with the detailed information you'll need to cast an informed vote.
This is what will happen over the next weeks:
Within days, you will receive a letter from the MEC listing key points of the tentative agreement. This information will also be posted on the web site, sent out via the *e-line* and announced on this Hotline.
Next, the Negotiating Committee will meet with your MEC to review the tentative agreement in detail. Once the MEC studies the agreement, they will vote on whether to send it out for ratification and whether to recommend a vote "for" or "against" ratification.
If the MEC votes to send the tentative out for ratification, a Summary of the tentative will be prepared and mailed to your home. Depending upon the number of changes in the agreement, the review process generally takes about a week.
A roadshow schedule will then be announced. To ensure that all your questions are answered and that you fully understand the entire agreement, you are strongly encouraged to attend. Copies of the entire agreement will be available at these meetings.
Shortly after the roadshows begin, you will receive your ratification ballot in the mail. Don't vote based on rumors. Get the facts.
During this critical review process, it is important that you report to work as scheduled.
Please check this Hotline, visit the web site, or call your local union representative for additional information.
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