Our May 13 meeting had a strong showing of Memphis members. AFA-CWA General Counsel David Borer answered many questions about the upcoming merger.

We were also fortunate to have Kelly Martin join us. Kelly, an 18-year flight attendant with Delta who lives in MEM and commutes to ATL, answered many questions and was able to dispel the idea that "Delta flight attendants have it made." We heard of their 16-hour domestic duty days, lack of a sick bank and far substandard retirement.

AFA-CWA Senior Benefits Attorney, Mary Lou Savage, spent time answering questions about the difference between our Defined Contribution Benefit Retirement Plan and the one offered at Delta. There was much concern about the Social Security offset forced on the Delta flight attendants. We were all relieved to find out that our plan can't be reduced to match the Delta plan unless the combined carrier files for bankruptcy.

The representatives from the National Group Protection Group (NPG) gave a briefing on our Long Term Disability Program (LTD) in our current contract and how it can be improved. The NPG has been directed by the NWA MEC to review our current LTD benefit package and take the program into the market in an attempt to find a better program.

AFA-CWA has also retained NPG to offer the supplemental programs now being presented in MEM Inflight. You are encouraged to stop by and pick up some information.

The next LEC Meeting is scheduled for July 27, 2008, and will be held at our usual location. This meeting is important so you can discuss and vote on all issues that will be brought before the AFA Board of Directors meeting which is scheduled for the second week of July.