This page (originally published in December 2005) has remained within the navigation menu to the left-hand side of our AFALAX.org site as a reminder of where we've been with regard to censorship at LAX. Today, it again becomes the focus of attention, driven by WHQ management.

The two items we are being directed to remove have been up at the LAX mailfile room since June 12, 2008. They are picket signs from the 2008 UAL Shareholders Meeting (that took place in Woodland Hills, CA) that simply state "UAL at War with Employees" and "No Way to Run an Airline." A third sign depicting a brick with the words "Executive Bonuses" crushing the three concentric (BEI circles) titled "Employee, Customer, and Shareholder" was deemed "acceptable." It was at this Shareholders Meeting that UAL executives won approval of their $130 million dollar bonus plan.

Visit the links in the above-right box titled "Censorship 2005" and "Censorship 2006" for more details on previous censorship debacles induced by United management.

Attracting attention to the boards by censoring or directing the removal of postings will again become the focus as we head into negotiations with UAL management. The fact that there is a concentrated effort by WHQ Labor Relations to monitor and watch over the AFA bulletin boards at our 14 bases clearly shows the lengths UAL management will take to cut off communication within our work force, censor the facts, and attempt to take control of the information you're entitled to receive.

We are once again given a crystal-clear message today by United management at Labor Relations: There are two sides in the fight to restore and rebuild our Contract, and we are well aware of the side we're on. We will remain unified together in our stand throughout these negotiations. Our solidarity, unity, and ability to stay informed will result in an "on-time agreement" that recognizes the sacrifices we've made since 2002 that saved our airline. It is our time to be recognized for the work we've done....and the work we continue to perform each day we go to work.

• Visit the E-Lines recap of the 2008 UAL Shareholders Meeting Rally >>

• Visit the Bankruptcy Archives 2002-2005 for reminders of where we've been >>

• Visit the AFA-CWA Summary of Opening Proposals from April 6, 2009 >>

• Union Busting Realities: Flight Attendants Must Be Alert >>

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, March 2009: “At any vibrant company, the employees are there building their future. It makes no sense to me to tell all of our people that you’re not ever going to get a raise. There’s no hope for you. That’s silly.”

Visits to AFALAX.org were sparked by the censorship of the AFA bulletin board at LAXSW, and was a major part of the building of OUR website. Now, we find that this avenue of communication is just what we needed. The desire to remain informed has brought us together. We are now able to "stay on the same page," and we will continue to do so.

Thanks for keeping the channels of communication open, and for taking the time to visit AFALAX.org -- keep spreading the word about YOUR site! Staying informed has its benefits, and being proactive is EMPOWERING!