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The negotiating session scheduled for 12/13-12/16 was cut short after the Company refused to provide further counterproposals. AMFA negotiators, for their part, provided a counterproposal for Article 3. This proposal was deemed insufficient by the Company and they refused to even discuss it or make a counter-proposal. Company Negotiators have stated that they want an economic package. They have tried to restate all of AMFA’s proposals in economic terms, regardless of their primary historical places in the negotiating process. The Company’s refusal to negotiate may result in the National Mediation Board placing us in a formal or informal recess or declaring an impasse and putting us into a 30-day cooling off period. That is for the NMB to decide. However, the cessation of talks is a unilateral position being forced on us by the company. AMFA stated that we will talk anytime, anywhere. If the Company refuses to negotiate, the National Mediation Board should declare an impasse and place us into a 30 day cooling off period. If we are placed into a cooling off period we will be able to strike at the end of the 30 days. The Company’s actions lead us to the conclusion that they wish to delay the process, which they feel is in their best interest. We must attempt to negotiate good faith solutions to these issues that confront us everyday. AMFA will continue to push the process. The Company may use this time to intimidate us so that our resolve gives way to panic. It’s a foregone conclusion that we’ll lose if we give up on the issues that grant them Cart-Blanche with decisions that affect our jobs, safety, and the welfare of our families. Ken Wagers- National Treasurer, AMFA National
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