Workers are losing jobs in the troubled airline industry and are relying on unemployment benefits.  Let Congress know extension of these benefits is needed!

Many workers that have been able to take advantage of federal Unemployment Benefits to help them as they look for a new career are now finding themselves with the possibility of those benefits expiring after their initial 26 weeks.  The Democratic leadership in Congress has tried repeatedly to pass an extension to those benefits for an additional 13 - 26 weeks as the economy continues to worsen and cost of living increases.  As airline employees continue to try and find work when the industry they worked in is laying off and struggling and other sectors of the economy are not hiring, these benefits are needed.
 
Unfortunately, President Bush has stated clearly that he will veto any effort to extend those benefits past their current 26 weeks.  The Republican Leadership in the Senate also recently blocked efforts to extend those benefits.  In order for this much needed help to pass Congress, a veto proof majority must vote to support extension of these benefits.
 
We need you to contact your Senators and Representative and urge them to stand with the hard working women and men of this country during these difficult times.  Please take a few minutes to send this letter to your Members of Congress.  It will be even more meaningful if you can add your personal story.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to support efforts to extend Unemployment Benefits for unemployed workers an additional 13 - 26 weeks. As an airline employee that suddenly found myself unemployed over night, this additional help is vital and crucial. I and thousands of my colleagues were thrown out of work without any warning and this additional assistance is needed.

As former employees in the airline industry, finding work has been difficult and virtually impossible. As other airlines have gone out of business, laid off workers or ceased hiring completely, we have been trying to find work in other industries. But with the economic slowdown around this country, finding work in other industries has been difficult as well. On top of the problems finding a job that can provide an adequate income, rising costs of fuel, food and other necessities is causing severe hardships.

In light of the current employment environment and economic circumstances, extending Unemployment Benefits an additional period is urgent. I strongly urge you to support efforts to extend these much needed benefits.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 18, 2008