12.19.08

InfoReps,

In October of this year, APFA President Laura Glading sent a letter to Taylor Vaughn, lead negotiator for the companyís negotiating team, requesting that APFA negotiations be moved to a city outside of Dallas. The letter also stated that ìIf we cannot reach an agreement on this issue, APFAís only recourse would be to apply, no later than December 15, 2008, to the National Mediation Board for the appointment of a mediator.î Taylor Vaughn responded with a letter stating, ìÖa discussion about when and where to move negotiations seems premature, in the Companyís view.î

We have been in negotiations with the company since May of this year. Although we have made progress with tentative agreements on some articles, the most pressing articles, articles with monetary significance, still remain on the table.

Earlier this week, final proposals made to TWU by the company were released. APFA is extremely disappointed by these documents; no guaranteed structural pay raises, changes that would significantly increase employee contributions for retiree health benefits, and elimination of virtually all retiree benefits for new hires. We feel these proposals are nothing short of a precursor to what is in store for APFA.

Taking these factors into consideration, your Negotiating Team sees no point in continuing bilateral discussions. Progressing without mediation simply does not make sense. Therefore, your Negotiating Team has decided to apply for Federal Mediation.

Laura Glading and AMR will file a joint application for mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) today.

Attachment: APFA FEDERAL MEDIATION release.pdf