05.25.10

Thank you for taking the time to read this InfoRep Hotline. Today is May 25, 2010, and this is Jon Murden, InfoRep Steering Committee Member.

An Overwhelming Success

On May 19, 2010, the ballots for a strike authorization vote were due. Shortly after the ballots were due, we found out that 90% of the Flight Attendants voted, and 96.7% authorized a strike. This strike authorization vote sent a loud message to management that we are ready for a new contract and willing to do whatever it takes to secure it sooner, rather than later.

We would like to thank everyone for their help in keeping the membership informed and educated to achieve this monumental success.

A Clear Sign

Following our overwhelming vote, AA Management showed that they know we are ready to do whatever it takes to get a new contract. On May 25, 2010, management sent an email to employees of the company looking for people willing to go to training to be replacement workers. Instead of spending the money to give us the contract we deserve, AA would prefer to spend money training inferior replacement workers that are going to try and do our jobs.

As American management moves forward with this absurd plan, there are many things that we need to keep in mind. First, Flight Attendants play a critical role in the safety of our passengers and security of our airplanes. Our years of experience cannot be replaced with people that spend a small number of days in training and then are released to try and replace us. Also, as Detroit, Jamaica, and the Hudson River are prime examples that training is not a replacement for experience. Our skills and abilities from years of doing the job cannot simply be replaced by this meager training.

As you hear people around the American system talk about training replacement workers, we need to realize this is just another tactic to scare the Flight Attendants and intimidate us to back down. Donít let managementís waste of time, money and other valuable resources break us now that we have come this far.

Where do we go from here?

As this process moves forward, it is important to realize that no job action on either part can take place until the National Mediation Board declares an impasse, and the 30 day cooling off period expires. As of today, the APFA believes we are at an impasse and has asked to be released into the 30 day cooling off period. Even though we have asked to be released, the control over what happens next lies solely at the National Mediation Board.

This week, mediator Pat Sims will be meeting with the NMB to present her findings following the last round of mediated negotiations, and give her recommendations as to how to proceed. Shortly after this meeting, the NMB will release a decision by either calling both parties back to the table or declaring an impasse. If an impasse is declared, both parties will be offered binding arbitration. If binding arbitration is offered and turned down by either side, then the parties will be released into the 30 day cooling off period.

It is important to bear in mind that the Flight Attendants are not willing to accept binding arbitration. The only things we will accept are more talks with the company or a release. For us, binding arbitration is not an option.

After the release into a 30day cooling off period, the parties can continue to negotiate. If an agreement is reached, it will be sent out to the membership for a vote. At the end of the 30 days, if no agreement is reached, either party may engage in self help.

Attached to this hotline, you will find a copy of the press release that contains Laura Glading’s statement about today’s announcement of AA’s preparations to recruit and train replacement workers.

If you should have any questions about the process or where we are going from here, please feel free to contact the APFA. We are here to answer any of your questions so you can keep the membership informed and the rumors at a minimum. Thanks for all the work you do!