09.24.09

September 24, 2009

InfoReps,

GOOD NEWS!! GOOD NEWS!!

On Monday, September 21, APFA was advised by our legal counsel that the appeal over the Restructuring Participation Agreement (RPA) lawsuit decision (the ìLindsay caseîóformerly known as the ìMarcoux caseî) has been decided in APFAís favor.

This new decision, upholding Judge Gershonís original findings, is good news for all APFA members who have seen far too much time, energy and dues dollars spent defending a difficult decision, at a most trying time in our recent history. The necessary actions taken by APFA in 2003 have been emphatically upheld by both the US District Court and the Court of Appeals. The complete text (31 pages) of the decision is available by clicking here.

Dues dollars not spent defending this lawsuit can be better put to use in getting us a contract that we deserve.

OUR TURN Around campaign is taking off!

As AA continues to bargain in an uncooperative manner, APFA President Laura Glading traveled to Washington DC this week to meet with the National Mediation Board (NMB). The purpose of President Glading’s visit to the NMB was to discuss the frustration we are feeling at the negotiating table. Rather than bargain in good faith, management is content to sit idly by and collect a sAAvings of over $1 Million a day. To date, that’s an estimated $142,000 from the blood, sweat and tears of each one of their Flight Attendants. After speaking with the NMB, it was decided that APFA and AA would come together in October to work on cost outs of the proposals in an effort to get a clearer picture of their values.

REMINDER-SAVE THE DATE!

As we announced previously, events are being planned at all base cities for Wednesday, November 18th. There will be a job for everyone. Please mark this date on your calendar. More information will be made available as we head into October.

With solidarity, grit and determination, we can show management that we mean business. If you haven’t already, visit www.APFAvirtualPicket.com and sign up to “march” on our virtual picket line. Share that link with all in your email contact list.

POINT/COUNTERPOINT:

The most current point/counterpoint document is up on the APFA web site. If you look at it and think nothing has changed, you are correct. It’s just more proof of management’s unwillingness to work toward an agreement. Should anything change during the next mediated session , the document will be updated.

IRONY CAN BE SO IRONIC:

In an interesting turn of events this week, American announced that they would be discontinuing the Retiree Standard Medical Plan option for retirees age 65 and over in the Officer, Management/Specialist and Support Staff work groups. This means everyone who is not represented by a Union.