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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
December 10, 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 547,
We are continuing discussions of the consolidation with Local 545. VP-West Steve de la Vara and myself met this week with Air Transport Division International Representative Gary Shults at ATD Headquarters in Hurst, Texas. Local 545 President Don Wright and Local 546 President Rob Lenhart were also present at the meeting. We are consulting with International Representatives on the proper process to bring about a consolidation of the Simulator Engineers and Flight Crew Training Instructors with our Sisters and Brothers in the Dispatch Local (545). Keep in mind that the Collective Bargaining Agreements will remain separate for each group (as they are now), only Union administrative functions will be consolidated.
We believe that the entire process (including by-law provision changes for Local 545, clarification of distribution of past dues monies sent to International by 546 and 547, election process for new officers from Simulator Engineers and FCTIs, etc.) will take until at least March 2009 to be completed. Clearly we are all interested in having a resolution to this process as quickly as possible.
Please be patient as we work through this process.
Sincerely
& Fraternally,