I am writing to you - my friends, fellow union supporters, and flying partners, to assure you of my continued commitment to our union.  Unfortunately, due to some messages that have been distributed and due to the timing of my medical leave, there appears to be some uncertainty and some unanswered questions that some of you may have.  The truth is this – union leaders are human beings also.  We also have parents who become very ill and medical issues of our own at times, that can’t be scheduled or put off for another more opportune moment. That does not amount to a crumbling union.  In our 60 years of union democracy at Northwest Airlines, many union leaders have come and gone.  It’s true, it’s not easy to fight for fairness in the workplace and maintain a personal life and family commitments at times, but that doesn't mean that we are ready to give up and let the tide wash over us.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

I have not resigned, nor do I intend to. I have a need for a 2-4 week family medical leave and have adjusted my schedule accordingly.  While Kevin and I are leaders, we are not the only leaders of our union.  Our union leadership is comprised of many more volunteers and officers on a local and national level.  Many flight attendants throughout the system have stepped forward and given their all during these difficult times – and we will continue to do so. 

I stand with MEC President Kevin Griffin, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Lynn Bible, NYC President Josh Zivick , BOS President Bob Cannatelli, MEM President Shawn Fivecoat, DTW President Diana Mitcham, MSP Vice President Willie Wilcox, SEA President Jay Hong, SFO President Kate Day, LAX President Les Meeks, and HNL President Dave Tadlock on our Northwest AFA Master Executive Council.  We continue to stand with anyone else who has poured their heart and soul into upholding our current contract, and with all of our Northwest and Delta colleagues who have set aside time in their busy lives to pitch in and work hard to keep a legal contract for all of us at the new Delta.

As is normal and healthy, some have questioned the democracy of our union and decisions that have been made by our leaders.  Our union handles all agenda items through a vote - either at the Board of Directors in a vote by all local presidents from all AFA carriers, or in LEC and MEC meetings throughout our airline.  While we individual members do not vote on every issue before the union, neither do the American people.  We have a representational Democracy. We don't always agree with the decisions made, but neither do we always agree with the decisions made by our Senators.  That doesn't mean we would consider tossing out our national government to "try it for a year without one."

Some of our options to speak out about issues that concern us are to: 1. Attend LEC/MEC meetings to provide feedback to affect the vote, 2. Recall/not re-elect that officer if we vehemently disagree, 3. Run for office ourselves, or 4. Vote for a new union on the property.  At NWA we know it isn't that hard to change out our union and we are well versed in that process.  I think most of us know by now however, that nothing is perfect and everything takes work and our involvement.  

At Delta without a union, they have no such right to a regular democratic process.  While our members may not always feel they chose the right representatives or agree with everything we do, we do have a regular choice to exercise our democratic rights through a secret ballot and an election process outlined in our AFA C&B.

While its true that we don't have hundreds of paid staffers, public relations professionals masquerading as flight attendants, and the equivalent of a union busting machine working full-time, that doesn't mean that we won't prevail in our efforts to keep union representation and negotiate an industry leading contract at the new Delta.  We are incredibly strong when we all work together toward a common goal – and the good news is the support in the combined Northwest and Delta group for union representation at the new Delta is building each day.     

When I return in 2-3 weeks, I will again launch myself full-time into this effort.  As is the case for so many dedicated flight attendant volunteers and elected officers - I have held nothing back in our efforts to this point and won't when I return.  Our goals are simple:  to win our right to keep representation and to negotiate a world class, legally binding contract for all flight attendants at what will be the world’s largest airline.  That is within our reach and we can do it together.