Source: www.unitedafa.org

At the direction of the Mediator, the parties will convene December 12 – 16, 2011 in Houston. As detailed last week, nearly all of the Major Issues remain unresolved and are subject to negotiation. It is anticipated that this next session will focus on the following:

• RIG’s
• 401 (k)
• Maximum Duty Day
• Legal Rest
• Schedule Trading
• Quarterly/Monthly Maximums
• Assignment of Open ID’s
• Legalities

All of the Major Issues, from both parties, are complex and of significant consequence. Keep in mind that just as committed as we are as a community to achieve the goals as contained in our Major Issues, management is equally adamant that their interests be addressed.

While we understand that in order to reach an Agreement, it will be necessary for us to address some of the interests they have brought to the table. It should be abundantly clear that in addressing those interests, it will only be done in a manner that can be supported by Flight Attendants and must withstand the scrutiny of a ratification vote.

To be clear, an Agreement that will receive the support of United Flight Attendants needs to be balanced in our favor. United Flight Attendants have waited too long and have sacrificed too much not to have their issues addressed in a meaningful manner. The next several weeks will determine whether or not United management is actually serious about moving forward together and building the world’s largest airline with the support of United Flight Attendants.

We remain committed to reaching an Agreement that provides immediate and long term improvements for United Flight Attendants.

Information regarding the Expedited Mediation process may be found on our website in the Expedited Mediation section. More detailed information concerning each negotiation session may be received by joining the Flight Attendant Negotiations Network (FANN) newsletter on our website.