Ladies and Gentlemen:

Expedited Mediation is about intense, focused negotiations for a defined period of time. This new expedited process also results in a very different dynamic at the negotiating table, although it is clear from the exchange of Major Issues, the mutual priorities of the parties have remained consistent. 

We are seeking improvements for United Flight Attendants based upon your top priorities. These priorities were identified through three comprehensive Membership surveys, town hall meetings, roadshows, feedback through the Flight Attendant Negotiations Network (FANN) and input to your Local Council through face-to-face discussions. Not surprisingly they have remained firm and consistent from day one of our negotiations. We should recognize that these 12 major issues might not be everyone’s personal top 12; however, the information is consistent and clear that these issues are the priorities of our collective Membership. 

While we negotiate for improvements for our community, management continues to pursue productivity changes. We have made clear from the start, that for us to consider any productivity changes they will have to be structured in such a way as to be beneficial for Flight Attendants; and they cannot result in the devastating consequences of people being laid off. Our commitment to protecting the job security of our most junior Flight Attendants remains a paramount component in resolving any productivity proposals from management. Any proposed reductions to our population must be accomplished through voluntary programs such as an Early Out and other headcount mitigation programs; programs that give our Members opportunity and a choice.

In this Negotiations & You, you will review the 12 major issues that both AFA and United management bring to Expedited Mediation. We have provided a comprehensive review of how we have arrived at the Expedited Mediation process and the path forward to successfully reach an Agreement that you can support with your vote. Accomplishing this will provide immediate improvements for United Flight Attendants, and establish the foundation for Single Contract Negotiations to begin within 180 days following ratification of a Tentative Agreement.

Expedited Mediation is a new process and a fresh start towards a new Contract and creates negotiating dynamics that are markedly different. For example, just the determination of identifying 12 major issues has resulted in recognition that a spirit of compromise will be evident in an Agreement arising from this process. Additionally, the National Mediation Board’s Senior Mediator assigned to our case has directed an aggressive interest-based approach to our discussions with management.  An interest based approach works only when both parties to the negotiation work collaboratively towards an Agreement, recognizing the interests of each other and focusing on mutually agreeable solutions. It is clear that as part of these negotiations we will work to address some of their most important issues, but rest assured we will never lose sight of advancing Flight Attendant interests.

These negotiations will be extremely challenging and we face a great deal of dedication and work on both sides if we are to be successful. The time is now to move forward collaboratively and together to reach an Agreement which provides improvements and recognizes the priorities as identified as being key to our new Contract. Accomplishing this will provide the foundation upon which we build our negotiations for a Single Contract.

In Solidarity,

Greg Davidowitch