Keep your eyes and ears on the news---from as many sources as you can.  There seems to be so much happening, about all I can do is present some summaries.  Concerning our work group, here's what appears to be developing at the moment:

• United is telling the world that they are committed "to achieving consensual agreements with its labor unions regarding employee participation in the company’s business plan to successfully emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy."  This is direct from their Dec 17 Press Release.

• Meanwhile, back at the Union Coalition ranch, it appears that United's initial concepts are "not limited to items necessary for the reorganization."  The labor unions also feel that running a shuttle-type operation as a separate airline is not necessary for the success of that operation or for the reorganization as a whole.  This comes from the Dec 17 DEAR AFA. 

• In the news media today, the Associated Press reports that United will ask a U.S. Bankruptcy Court next Thursday (Dec 26--day after Christmas Yo-Ho-Ho) to begin the process of voiding labor contracts if the unions don't agree to the wage cuts by then.  This comes from a AP article dated Dec 18.  Since Section 1113 requires 14 days between filing an application for rejecting labor contracts and the actual hearing date, it would seem logical to conclude that Jan 9, 2003 would be the hearing date.

• And lastly, in a briefing room near you, supervisors appear to be taking an almost begging attitude for "BIG SMILES EVERYONE!  PLEASE?" so that flight attendants can put their best face forward for the customer.

So where does that leave us?  Smiling knowing that perhaps we may not get dental coverage next year at this time?

Lots of speculation.  Lots of rumor.  Which is why now, more then ever, it is important to keep on top of what's happening as much as possible.