January 17, 2008

To All IAM Members Employed by United Airlines

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It has been recently reported in the press and on TV newscasts the “exploratory” merger discussions between United Airlines and Delta Airlines and Delta and Northwest are about to begin. This is not news to us at UAL… CEO Glenn Tilton has been beating the drums for over two years about the need for “consolidation” in the industry and the need for United “not to be left standing at the altar.” There has also been speculation in the press about efforts between United and Continental. One thing is sure… once consolidation begins (no matter the carrier combination) the rest will try and follow. Time is of the essence now, because the current White House is viewed as more likely being receptive to consolidation than maybe the next to move in.

Almost two years ago IAM General Vice President of Transportation Robert Roach, Jr. established an industry "merger committee" chaired by him and comprised of fifteen members, including myself and the PDGC's of Districts 142, 143, lawyers, economists, and research specialists among others. Its envisioned and stated purpose is to protect the interests of IAM members in all aspects, not the least of which involves the continuance of IAM representation, seniority, jobs, economic security, medical coverage and other benefits including pension protection/continuance.

As stated by IAM General Vice President Roach, Jr., “The Machinists Union has been involved in nearly every airline merger since pre and post airline deregulation. We are prepared to protect the interests of all affected workers by working with airline management and the appropriate government bodies to avoid the pitfalls of previous mergers. To do so we need (1) proper information, (2) a transparent process, and (3) a management team that demonstrates an ability to work with its employees. Without such a process we will be left with no choice but to openly oppose any merger that we determine to not be in the best interests of working people and their families, the flying public and the airline themselves. As you may recall, this was demonstrated in 2000 when the IAM openly opposed a proposed merger at that time between United and US Airways over the failure of the carriers to provide seniority and job security protections for IAM members on both airlines.