Proposal Package

During the December negotiations update we indicated that we were extremely close and only had a few issues to finalize.   We also stated that we were editing language on proposals which had been tentatively agreed upon, and that there is always a possibility that the Company and Union will not be able to reach agreement on the remaining issues, which would require continuing negotiations.

During the past few weeks we have been working with the Company and were close to finalizing and printing the proposal package for the System Council Delegate review when two new issues arose.  Both issues involve pension plan proposals dealing with the IRS 420 transfer of funds from the pension plan to the Retiree Medical Plan and a proposal concerning employee pension credits.

 We are presently addressing these issues and are re-evaluating the proposals.  At this time we do not know if we will be able to reach any type of agreement in time to bring the proposal package to the February, System Council Meeting.   We will continue communicate any new developments as they occur.