MEC Letter to Membership

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On January 11, 2005, the United Master Executive Council (MEC) met in special session to review the Tentative Agreement reached with United management on January 8. The MEC has pursued two paths throughout the latest Section 1113(c) process - litigation and negotiations. Our goal was to achieve the best possible outcome under the extreme set of circumstances confronting us.

The MEC deliberated for hours over what was the best course of action. The consensus of the MEC was to accept the Tentative Agreement and unanimously recommend a “FOR” vote.

The support from you, the Members of AFA-CWA, created the opportunity to negotiate a consensual agreement that the United Master Executive Council believes provides the financial relief needed for UAL to emerge from bankruptcy yet it protects our work rules, benefits and pensions. This Tentative Agreement in no way endorses the current management of United. To the contrary, we strongly believe management is largely responsible for the financial quagmire our company is currently facing.

As your elected leaders, the MEC is charged with the responsibility to make judgment calls based on Membership input, the information available to us, and advice from our legal and financial advisors. Our goal is to protect our collective best interest and not jeopardize Flight Attendant job security.

The MEC deliberated for hours over what was the best course of action. The consensus of the MEC was to accept the Tentative Agreement and unanimously recommend a “FOR” vote. This decision was not made easily. While the leadership endorses the Tentative Agreement, we are prepared for all contingencies. Should Members reject the Tentative Agreement; the Company will seek to abrogate our Flight Attendant Agreement. Our litigation strategy remains in place, as does the CHAOS™ strike vote. The ultimate decision is yours. Please review the Tentative Agreement, attend local meetings and have your questions or concerns addressed. The ballots close on January 31 at 0900 Eastern Standard Time.

The past two years have created unimaginable challenges for all of us as employees of United Airlines. The fears and anxieties surrounding our Company’s survival have taken a toll on our Flight Attendant community. Only through our dedication and support for each other have we been able to persevere.

It is our hope that United will emerge from bankruptcy by mid year and therefore remove the “black clouds” from over our heads. After your careful consideration of the facts before you, cast your vote. Make your voice heard and remember -Your vote counts!

In Solidarity,

The United Master Executive Council Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO

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