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Finalization of AFA-CWA Merger
Membership Dues Increase
[02.08.08] -- The merger of AFA with CWA was finalized during the AFA-CWA Board of Directors meeting which was held in Phoenix from October 16 – 18, 2007. The Board of Directors consists of all Local Executive Council Presidents within the AFA union.
In December 2003, AFA membership voted to ratify a merger agreement with CWA. The four year agreement allowed AFA to maintain its identity and structure while providing the union with financial security through the backing of CWA. CWA’s financial support during an era filled with airline bankruptcy proceedings and concessionary negotiations preserved the survivability of AFA. The merger agreement also contained an opt-out clause which gave either AFA or CWA the opportunity to end this relationship. As the end of the agreement approached it was necessary for AFA to reflect on the invaluable support that CWA provided and weigh the pros and cons of finalizing this merger. Various scenarios were presented to the Board of Directors by the International Secretary-Treasurer, Kevin Creighan, to provide information on the services and cost of ending the merger with CWA versus finalizing the merger. After much thought and consideration the Board of Directors unanimously voted to finalize the merger with CWA in order to move our union forward in this post-bankruptcy era and rebuild our profession.
As part of the terms of finalizing the merger it was inherent that AFA align its membership dues with the other CWA unions. Therefore, the membership dues will be increasing from $39 a month to $43 a month which equals to the CWA dues average. The $4 dues increase will become effective on June 1, 2008. Notification of a dues increase is always difficult but please keep in mind that the last time the membership dues were increased was back in January of 1994.
Dues can be paid in one of three ways: annually, monthly by dues check-off (payroll deduction), or monthly either on-line or through the mail by the first of each month. Annual payments offer a 10% discount when paid prior to July 1 of any year. As of last year, the AFA-CWA fiscal year runs from June 1 – May 31. Annual payment for June 1, 2008 – May 31, 2009 will be $464.40 if remitted before July 1, 2008. This is a savings of $51.60. You may go to www.afanet.org to make your payment on-line. If you are on a leave for any reason and previously paid your dues through payroll deduction please be sure to inspect your paycheck on the 15th of the month when you return to work to ensure that the dues deduction is reinstated. If you would like to start a payroll deduction of your membership dues please contact me for a dues check-off form.
Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at 792-7137 or email me at robynhflee@gmail.com.
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