2.22.01 – (LAA) – Strike Authorization Ballot Results Inn, Continental Attempts to Halt Bidding of TWA’s Assets Rejected by Federal Court

Negotiations HotLine – February 22, 2001

This is APFA President John Ward with the negotiations portion of the HotLine for Thursday, February 22; day 844 of contract negotiations. The time is approximately 4:00 p.m. Central Standard time.

The strike authorization ballot count has now been certified by the National Ballot Committee and I am pleased to report the following results:

Those voting “YES”, in favor of authorizing a strike should that become necessary: 95.5%

Those voting “NO”, 4.5%

It is noteworthy to mention, and we can be proud of the fact, that there was a very high voter turnout. The percentage of ballots returned from among those eligible to vote was 87%.

A base-by-base breakdown of the vote will soon be posted on APFA bulletin boards, and is already available on the website at www.apfa.org.

This vote demonstrates both the unity of our membership and our resolve to do whatever may be necessary in order to reach a fair agreement with American Airlines. Although today’s vote does not mean that a strike will necessarily occur, it does mean that we are closer to a possible walkout.

Before a strike can occur, the National Mediation Board must first conclude that the talks are at an impasse. At that point, the parties are released into a 30-day cooling off period, after which, if no agreement is reached, the APFA would be free to strike. APFA’s request for a release remains pending before the NMB, and I anticipate that the NMB will give serious consideration to our request if an agreement cannot be reached by March 14.

Thanks again for both the terrific turnout and the overwhelming yes vote.

We will update this HotLine as events warrant. Please stay on the line.

This is Leslie Mayo, National Communications Coordinator, with APFA HotLine News for the week ending February 23, 2001.

The Strike Authorization Ballot numbers and percentages are available, base by base, on the APFA web site. Please visit www.www.apfa.org and click on the map.

The Board of Directors passed a resolution at a recent APFA BOD meeting honoring Flight Attendant Jose Chiu who died in the line of duty. The Jose Chiu Award will recognize achievements in the areas of Health and Safety. The first award will be bestowed to Jose, posthumously, at our 8th annual APFA Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 17 in Los Angeles. Space is limited and the cost of dinner is $35.00. If you are interested in attending, please call APFA Headquarters, ext. 8181 for more details and to reserve your spot. Payment must be received at APFA Headquarters by March 5th.

Continental’s attempts to halt the bidding of TWA’s assets has been rejected in federal court. It seems that American’s bid is the only serious bid to date. Our APFA Merger and Acquisition Committee continues to work diligently on your behalf investigating all aspects of this acquisition. They will provide a report to the APFA Board of Directors at the APFA Annual Convention in March. Please continue to send your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave a message for the committee at APFA Headquarters, ext. 8751.

APFA would like to thank all members for your continued support and participation in the negotiations process. Remember, it’s Union Pin, Wings and nametag only, and your bagtag should read 4,3,2,1… Thank you for calling the APFA HotLine.