December 15, 2005 -
Subj: US Airways/America West
NMB File No. CR-6886
Via Facsimile & Regular U.S. Mail
Ms. Read Van de Water
Chairperson
National Mediation Board
1301 K Street, N.W.
Suite 250 East
Washington, D.C. 20572
Dear Ms. Van de Water:
This letter concerns the International Association of Machinist’s application for a determination by the National Mediation Board (“NMB” or the “Board”) that a single transportation system exists on US Airways. The IAM filed its application with the NMB on September 29, 2005, NMB File No. CR-6886.
Since that time, there have been numerous submissions and communications by the parties at the direction of NMB Investigator Eileen Hennessey. We believe that sufficient information has been given to the Board to render a decision that US Airways and America West Airlnes are now operating as a single carrier. Our members are growing frustrated by the delay in this process. Inasmuch as they stand to lose seniority, protection of their work, and a possibility of participating in a defined benefit pension plan, we are on their behalf requesting that this process be expedited to its ultimate conclusion.
In addition, with the large number of employees who are on furlough status with recall rights at US Airways, there is a strong possibility of decertification if an election were to be conducted. Our members are very cognizant of that fact, and this has created a very hostile environment in the workplace. The very existence of US Airways is now at stake and is in your hands. Please do not permit this disruptive dispute to drag on. Rather, we respectfully request that you exercise the authority of your office to resolve this dispute immediately.
Sincerely,
Robert Roach, Jr.
GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT
