| Letter to Ralph Richardi and Robert Reding - Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 10:13 |
| January 10, 2005 Mr. Ralph Richardi Mr. Robert Reding Gentlemen: Having already experienced the dramatic headcount reductions in MCIE and STL, and with the impact of the projected 2005 budget pending, it is fitting that you recognize the following: The TWU is painfully aware of the substantial challenges that lay ahead. The financial position of the company is precarious at best given the fragile, volatile, and unpredictable environment (e.g Delta fare reduction, Southwest Airlines code share with ATA, etc). We are concerned that the reductions incurred by the TWU membership are substantial and in our view, may jeopardize the dependability, performance, and service of the airline. Further, it appears these decisions rely upon broad assumptions replete with increased operational risk. Article 28(b) of our agreement provides in part that, “the Company will have sole jurisdiction of the management and operations of its business.” Post restructure, the Company is now entrusted with the management and operation of “our” business. The Company has a moral, ethical, and fiscal responsibility to not mismanage the sacrifices made by so many. In closing, please note that the TWU anticipates safety and security to remain a cornerstone of everything we do and that compromising is simply not an option. Lastly, we expect these reductions will not produce violations of our agreement as a byproduct of implementation. Sincerely, John M. Conley JC-RG:cjw opeiu-153 afl-cio C: J. Little |