Sisters and Brothers:
Your IAM representatives met with the Company on November 29 to continue to negotiate the effects of the closure of the OpenSkies U.S. base. Present on your behalf were Shop Stewards, Cathy Carey and Khale Unger along with me and Grand Lodge Representatives, Mike Manzo and Sandy Gardner. We exchanged our first proposals regarding severance pay, medical insurance continuation along with continuation of any available pass travel benefits.
The proposal we received from the Company fell well below our expectations and we were very disappointed. The Company explained that as their financial difficulties have continued, they feel they are in a difficult position to offer a much more generous severance package. We reiterated the long-standing loyalty and excellent service provided by the US based cabin crew members and implored the Company that a better offer would be necessary to make this base closure as smooth a transition as possible.
The shift from operating as British Airways to the Level brand continues to create complications regarding the relevant issues but we are optimistic those issues will be resolved.
We are set to meet again December 14, 2018 and will keep you advised of any additional updates.
In solidarity,
Sara Gonzales
GENERAL CHAIR
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