May 1, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
Your Negotiating Committee filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) today and asked for assistance in our talks with management
After consultation with the AFA International Office and the Negotiating Committee, the Master Executive Council (MEC) decided it was in our best interest to file for mediation. Given how far apart we are and our disagreements on fundamental items in the Tentative Agreement, we do not feel confident that it is possible for the parties to reach agreement absent the assistance of an objective mediator.
The application was sent in today. The decision was made after receiving management’s last off the record comprehensive proposal and realizing that they had not addressed some of our essential items. Additionally, they are still deciding whether to honor the signed Section 12 TA in regards to Open Time. The time has come to add an objective and independent voice to negotiations.
More information on mediation – what it means and how it works – will be forthcoming shortly.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
“Five Bases, One Voice”
References:
Alaska mediation filing: http://alaskamec.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Alaska-Mediation-Filing.pdf
