Over the past few weeks I have received many calls and emails asking where we are with the integration process for the flight attendants.  Communications from the Delta executives infer that the International Association of Machinists and the Association of Flight Attendants are holding up the process.  This simply is not true.  These two unions represent thousands of individuals who want this integration process to work for all employees. 

There are steps to follow in every merger that must be adhered to, and we are following those steps.  If you click here: http://www.deltaafa.org/images/MergerTimeline.pdf you will see where we as flight attendants are in the timeline of the merger process.  You can also visit the NMB site: http://www.nmb.gov/representation/deter2005/32n035.pdf  to learn more about the National Mediation Board’s merger procedures.  The company has announced that we cannot fly together until at least 2010, and they have yet to receive approval for a joint training program from the FAA.  The possibility of Delta receiving a Single Operating Certificate from the FAA is also a long time off.  We have plenty of time to handle this integration fairly and thoughtfully.  There is no reason to rush this step in our merger. 

Ever since the possibility of a merger was first announced back in January 2008 and as recent as my last meeting with Doug Steenland, I have reiterated my belief that for any merger to be successful the mistakes of the past should not be repeated.  Mergers involve employees; employees who have families and live in communities that rely on job security.  All employees should be taken into consideration when integrating.  Corporate executives who believe that integration can be rushed are doing so for the almighty dollar.  They are not in this for the long haul.  We, who have been here for many years, have seen corporate executives come and go - often with golden parachutes that provide them with lifetime financial security.

In today's economic world where all news is negative with furloughs, bankruptcies, foreclosures etc., we need to use caution and follow the procedures set up by the government.

On October 3, 2008 the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, commonly referred to as a bailout of the U.S. financial system was signed into law.  It was done in record time.  Who has benefited from that fast pace?  Since that October 3^rd day banks and large corporations have been lobbying for their piece of the pie while Americans continue to lose homes and jobs.  Millions of that bailout has been paid to corporate executives. 

As recent as last week Delta corporate executives announced another round of downsizing with a large pull down of the international flights starting in January.  Early Out (buyout) programs have been offered to most employees.  Is it the end of the downsizing?  Will there be more Early Out programs?  I was asked at a meeting this past week if I had any idea of how many flight attendants would take the offer.  I honestly do not know and urge all who do participate to seek financial guidance.  Had this offer of a buyout been negotiated as Ford did back in January 2008, I would feel more confident knowing that questions from the members had been asked and our input was given.  I was glad to see the Company give a decent length of time to discuss this with family and friends prior to making the decision, even if it is during the holidays.  This will be a major decision for those leaving us.

For those who will remain as flight attendants at the new Delta, I ask your patience.  Your job security is our primary goal at the union.  ‘Date of Hire’ integration is another goal - to protect those who have vested years at both legacy carriers as we become one great airline.  Along with ‘date-of-hire’ integration, we must keep good paying jobs with livable wages here in America and not allow outsourcing.  American jobs have already been outsourced too much.  To do all of the above we need to have a legal voice for the future with a union - period.  We cannot trust corporate executives to take care of us and do right by the American workforce. 

Do not let corporate executives create divisions amongst us.  We have seen these same divisive tactics used in the past and will continue to see them in the future.  Stay informed by contacting your union representatives, visit the websites, and more importantly talk to one another.  As proud flight attendants from all airlines, we are family.  We take care of each other.

Once the current step in the process has been completed and the NMB declares Delta to be a Single Transportation System we will move on to the next step, with the best interests of all flight attendants as our top priority.  We want a better and fairer merger for the new Delta.  If we can avoid the divisive moves of the past, we can focus together as one united group to negotiate an appropriate industry leading contract for the world’s largest airline.  We will only have this opportunity if we vote for a legal voice – a union. 

Lastly, as we come to the close of another year, I want to wish you, your friends and families a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.  It is a special time of year, so enjoy the holidays for what were meant to be - good times, gatherings, celebrations of life and reflections on the past. 

A New Year is around the corner with new beginnings.  Here is wishing you and your families all the best for 2009 as we work together to keep our voice for the future.