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“ Series C Claim Paid in Common Stock May 31, 2007”

“Northwest Airlines emerged from bankruptcy this morning when the Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code became effective. In accordance with the Plan, NWA Corp. will issue 4,704,373 shares of common stock to approximately 23,427 participants who held Series C preferred stock as of August 1, 2003. The common stock is issued as settlement of the $212,520,140.82 claim won by the IAM in court for the Company’s failure to redeem the Series C on August 1, 2003.

The 4.7 million shares represents the IAM’s portion of all newly-issued common shares available to satisfy all unsecured claims after holding back 17% which may be necessary to pay those claims currently in dispute. In other words, if the court allows all disputed claims there will be no further allocation to Series C claim holders. If all or some of the disputed claims are disallowed, the IAM Series C participants will receive additional shares of common stock at some point in the future when disputed claims are resolved.

As of August 1, 2003, there were 3,670,886 shares of Series C in the IAM Trust and 28,662 shares held by 277 participants outside the Trust. For every share of Series C held, the participant will receive 1.279 shares of common stock. If for example, an individual had 150 shares of Series C in his/her account on August 1, 2003, that person would be entitled to 191.86 shares of new common stock.

Over the past 24 hours the IAM, the IAM Trustee for the Series C stock and the Company have been negotiating an allocation agreement, which will facilitate the distribution of the common stock to participants. It is anticipated that the shares will be deposited into each participant’s 401(k) account by Saturday, June 2, 2007. On Monday, June 4 participants should be free to either hold their shares or sell their shares at the market price. The individual will have the sole responsibility to decide what to do with their shares. Remember, the normal 401(k) rules regarding penalties and loans apply. We recommend consulting your personal financial advisor.

For the 277 participants outside the 401(k) Plan, their shares will be deposited in an account set up with the distribution agent. If you are one of these individuals you will be receiving communications directly from Computershare, the distribution agent.

Look for additional information that will be furnished in the next few days. This information will provide greater detail on the transaction and further explain your rights and options under the 401(k) Plan.”

Unfortunately, this is the only information AMFA can provide at this time.

Ted Ludwig

President

AMFA Local 33

May 30, 2007

We have been informed our bill for UI benefits has been signed into law last Thursday. It is to take affect on July 1, 2007. We will update the website as soon as we have information on how to receive these benefits.

We do not have any information about our Series C stock at this time. As soon as we learn of anything concerning the Series C Stock, the website will be updated.

Ted Ludwig

President

AMFA Local 33

May 24, 2007 update

The bill carrying our Unemployment Insurance amendment passed both the House and the Senate. It is now on the Governor’s desk waiting for his signature or veto. The bill is referred to as the Unemployment Housekeeping Bill, with Article 8 titled “Filing Requirement Waiver” pertaining to us. The bill was stripped of the extension of UI benefits and only gives those who did not call in every two weeks a chance to claim their benefits. As soon as we know more, we will send out another update.

With NWA getting their bankruptcy plan approved, we should know sometime soon how the Series C stock will be paid. As for right now, NWA has agreed to pay the Series C stock holders with shares of the new NWA stock. The details are still being worked out between the IAM trustee and NWA. We will send out an update as soon as we have further information.

Ted Ludwig

President

AMFA Local 33

May 07, 2007 Update

We have not had an update yet on our UI Bill that is traveling through the House. The Senate passed a version that did NOT include an extension of benefits for those who were unemployed during the first year of the strike.

The judge has granted an order that merges the individual Series C Judgment Claims with the Union Series C Claim, resulting with the Union Claim surviving. Basically, whether you filed a proof of claim or not and have Series C preferred stock, you will receive a pro-rata portion of the allowed claim. The allowed claim is $212 million. The details of how the trustee will distribute the pro-rata portions to Series C stockholders, is still being worked out. We will update the membership when we have more information.

Northwest Airlines has awarded their executive management team millions of dollars for bankrupting the company and then restructuring it. Neal Cohen, Tim Griffin, Andy Roberts and Phil Haan would each receive equity grants of between $10 million and $13.5 million. Doug Steenland is expected to be allocated restricted stock with an estimated value of $20.8 million, plus stock options valued at $5.8 million.

Ted Ludwig

President

Local 33

April 25, 2007

The Local has been asked many times if we have a lawsuit against NWA for hiring practices, etc. For the record, AMFA does not have a lawsuit against NWA, or is planning one for this issue. We have no idea what NWA will do in the future, but today, they are not breaking the law, as far as we know. As usual, if it does not come out of this office, it is a rumor. We will update the membership if a lawsuit is filed against NWA or any other entity.

Thank you,

Ted Ludwig

President

AMFA Local 33

March 22, 2007

The most recent bankruptcy information that was mailed to everyone who filed a proof of claim against NWA has been explained to us by AMFA legal however, AMFA legal is not giving advice or recommendations about these personal proof of claim issues. These issues will be the responsibility of each individual.

However, most of us need some translation of what we received and hopefully this will help you to understand. Apparently, NWA has asked the court to remove the personal proof of claims for the Series C Stock. They are stating these claims are duplicates to the IAM/IBT claim that has been allowed, covering all Series C stock.

You may have also received a mailing labeled Notice of Debtors’ Twenty-Second Omnibus (Tier 11) Objection to Proofs of Claim. This is referring to individual claims filed for other items than the Series C stock; most likely a “vacation pay” proof of claim. If so, Northwest has asked the court to remove this claim as well. The court is notifying you and if you disagree with NWA’s request, then you will need to take actions as described in the mailing.

The court sent out these notices to let the individuals know that NWA is appealing the individual claims. If the individual disagrees with NWA’s objection to the person proof of claim, they need to take action. This action must be taken by the deadline laid out in the mailing. The mailing also gives the procedure on how to register your objection.

This is just an overview of what most members have received, so far. Some members may have received some additional mailings from the bankruptcy court according to the claims they have with NWA. We do not have any information about these claims.

The determination of what to do about your individual claim is up to you. AMFA cannot provide any advice on the matter. We do know of a law firm in New York that is willing to accept individual proof of claim objections, for a fee. His contact information is Ron Terenzi . Identify yourself as having a personal bankruptcy claim against Northwest Airlines.

We hope this information will help.

March 12, 2007

We recently received bankruptcy paperwork in the mail that was a bit confusing to most of us. We have sent it to AMFA legal for their interpretation and this is their translation.

Please be advised that AMFA and its attorneys are not giving advice nor a recommendation on what we should do concerning our own proof of claims. The proof of claims that we filed for the Series C stock is our own responsibility.

Because AMFA was not the bargaining agent when we obtained this stock, we have not been included in any discussions concerning it. The IAM has a trustee that is responsible for the overall claim of all Series C stockholders. Our individual proof of claims are a reassurance that our stake will be protected. Once again, this is only information, not legal advice from AMFA or its attorneys.

The letters we received is the Disclosure Statement concerning how NWA will exit bankruptcy. It is explaining the procedure and the schedule for the plan to exit. It is more procedure than substance, therefore we don’t have to reply to this Disclosure Statement, but can if you chose to. (AMFA does not plan to object)

According to the Disclosure Statement, NWA states it will pay the Series C stockholder claims according to article 1D of the Statement. 1D says claimants will be paid for the value of their shares with new, post-bankruptcy NWA stock. According to the Disclosure Statement, we can expect to receive anywhere from 66% to 83% of our shares in new NWA stock

The IAM trustee will negotiate how the terms will play out and what the value of our stock is worth. AMFA has been in touch with the IAM trustee and attorneys to signify our interest in the procedure of this process.

The process for NWA to leave bankruptcy is anticipated to happen around July. But as you know with NWA and the bankruptcy procedure, anything can happen. The bankruptcy judge has the authority to make changes to items as necessary.

We will keep you updated as we learn more accurate information.

February 15, 2007

The Local 33 monthly business meeting is on Tuesday February 20, 2007 at 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM in the Wing’s ground floor conference room in Apple Valley Mn. Please try to attend for local news and updates.

All withdrawal cards are being processed and will be sent to the mailing address stated on the form. AMFA constitution and Local 33 bylaws required that all withdrawal applications be held until the outcome of the strike is established. We have had thousands of applications sent in during the strike and since the ratification that needed research and then were subjected to a vote of approval or not. Please be patient with this huge task. We anticipate that most all members will have their withdrawal cards by the March business meeting. If you need evidence good standing for a position in a new union, please contact the local office.

The quarterly Joint Advisory Council (JAC) meeting will be held on February 20 and 21, 2007 in Denver Co. Because of it falling on the same day as the business meeting, Mike Klemm will be chairing the business meeting and Ted Ludwig will be attending the JAC meeting.

Many members have called asking about the disposition of our NWA preferred (concession) stock. At this time, we have no information on how the bankruptcy court will rule. Hopefully, all members who own this preferred stock have filed a proof of claim with the court. We will update the website as soon as there is some information concerning this stock. AMFA legal has been made aware of how very important this issue is for almost all or our members.

There are many members who did not receive the Unemployment Insurance (UI) in Minnesota after the Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) denial of our claim, due to misguided information coming out of the UI office. We are encouraging everyone to continue appealing the UI Department’s decision to only pay for those weeks that were claimed by each member. We all know the misguided information from the UI office was that we did not have to continue with our bi-weekly notifications of non-employment. If you have appealed through the UI Department twice and have been denied twice, your claim can be submitted to the Circuit Court of Appeals for their review and ruling. This court is not subjected to the political pressure that may have been placed on the ALJ. We have not created a guide for the Court of Appeals but the previous package concerning our case has the information your brief.

The local has received many comments about supporting the Association of Flight Attendants at NWA; some good and some bad. We will support any and all unions who face the struggle of having a contract imposed on them and being by the barred the courts from striking. If the courts decision to bar a union’s right to strike is allowed to stand, all of organized labor will suffer to the point of extinction. Withholding our services, no matter painful and devastating, is the only leverage that workers, whether union or non-union, have to collectively maintain their standard of living. NWA has crossed many unethical and immoral lines to achieve their goals, but convincing a court to ban a union from striking is unprecedented. This cannot be allowed to stand and all unions must stand together for the benefit of all our members. Workers are the true make-up of unions, not the union leadership. We will stand with our working brothers and sisters because it is the right thing to do. If you have done nothing to help overturn this ban on striking because it is not your union, now is the time to change.

We have had 5 honorable members get bids to return to work since the agreement to end the strike was ratified. Please check open position postings by logging in at https://home.nwapeople.nwa.com Please notify us when you get a bid so we can make sure you are well represented. We also have valuable information for your return to work

The NWA property remains our property under the Railway Labor Act. Because of this, we would like to see the head count increase at NWA so the honorable striking members, which is 90% of the AMFA membership, can get their jobs back. AS of now, positions are being filled on an attrition basis in seniority order. So not wait for a recall, because NWA changed the order of how positions are filled. You must bid on all jobs if you want to get back. Recall is the last step before they can hire from the street.

The Local 33 office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We ask that you please call ahead to make sure we do not have appointments on property that cause us to close the office during that time.

If you have not read the book “Middle Class-Union Made” yet, please find a copy. Some locals have bought a few cases and handed them out to members. This book explains how unions are the only group that can stand against the huge corporations to save the middle class. The author explains how all citizens of the middle class need to support unions from an economic viewpoint. It is 70 pages of great evidence supporting the role unions play in our country and how to help with that role. Dr. Levins is a retired professor of economics at the University of Minnesota and has no union affiliation.

January 8, 2007

This week, we saw the first System bids appear since the end of our strike. Hopefully this will be the beginning of many, as our members return to their rightful jobs.

Many of us have found new and better careers with different companies, and in different fields. But my hat is off to any and all of you that wish to return and take your jobs back. I would ask that those who are awarded these positions contact the Local 33 offices. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you well.

This month Local 33 will be placed under the control of AMFA National. For the membership this will mean little other than the National will make sure that the bills are paid, as well as ensure that everything continues to run smoothly. Our office location will remain the same, same phone numbers, and same hours of service, same smiling faces, and the same schedule and location for the monthly business meetings.

At the start of this New Year, we wish everyone the best of luck, and look forward to working and seeing you all throughout 2007.

November 28, 2006

We have received information from NWA concerning how many members took termination or lay off. Approximately 74% took the termination system wide. You can view the breakdown under “your Attention Please” on the Local 33 main page. Also discussed were the members who did not turn 55 while on payroll. These members will take an additional 12% reduction if they retire from an off-payroll status. The company will pull the data to determine how many members on recall that would affect and then continue the discussion. Hopefully, there will be more information by early next week.

To be considered an Active employee, you must receive pay, according to the ERISA laws.The paychecks for those who took the additional 5 weeks termination pay are to be sent on the next pay cycle, which is December 8, 2006. If your BHO and/or AHO fell within the period of 1/1/05 to 8/19/05 and you did not use them for the calendar year 2005, you will be paid for them in a separate check after the December 8 pay cycle. You will also get your PDO pay in this check if you did not use it during 2005.The license premium for plant and facility techs has been removed from the imposed contract. Therefore, those members will not get a license premium included in their severance or termination pay.An updated seniority list will be posted on the Local 33 website as soon as received from NWA.Please check radar every week for job postings.

November 20, 2006

I was asked to speak at a Labor Rally in Tokyo Japan on November 5, 2006, sponsored by the train engineers’ union, Doro-Chiba. They are a small union of about 500 members that is similar to AMFA. Their concerns over safety are the same concerns we have at the airlines. Profit over safety seems to rule the day. Doro-Chiba organized many different unions to attend and speak at this rally. The unions involved were from South Korea, United States and Japan. 4900 union members and activists paid about $5 each to attend this rally and then march 3 miles through downtown Tokyo. It was an uplifting experience to see all these honorable workers from other countries cheering for those of you who stood tall against corporate greed and refused to cross the picket line. They cheered when I mentioned Nov 5^th was the 443rd day of our strike and we still picket every day, showing the world money cannot buy our integrity. I was very proud to represent the striking NWA/AMFA members, but even prouder to witness people around the world who look up to you.

Last week was the quarterly Joint Advisory Counsel meeting with all the AMFA presidents, contract coordinators and the NEC. We received updates concerning the issues that were brought up at the last meeting. Briefings were also given about organizing; affiliations, mergers and the NWA strike settlement. The SWA presidents have said they will do whatever they can to help our laid off members get hired by their low cost career, which is the most unionized airline in the industry. Dennis Sutton, Local 5 president and myself thanked all the AMFA members for their dedication to our strike and the sacrifices they all made to help us through this long battle. If it were not for every AMFA local donating $2.50 per member, per month, we would have had to close our doors. We also thanked the NEC for taking less than their full pay until the AMFA finances were stable. I am sure there are not many unions whose members voluntarily give up pay and dues money to help their brothers and sisters defend their jobs. These are the deeds of what good union members are made of.

We were also briefed on the make-up of the NWA/AMFA Locals going forward. Local 5 in DTW, will merge into Local 33 and Dennis Sutton will stay on in DTWas a trustee of the National. The NEC is planning to put Local 33 into receivership in mid-January. Mike Klemm and myself will stay temporarily until a trustee has been assigned at the end of January. Local 33 will continue the same operations we have been since August 20, 2005. AMFA is the bargaining agent for the NWA property, good or bad. There will be a time when honorable people are the majority.

Please make note, November 27, 2006 is the deadline for all striking members who were placed on lay-off to make their choice if they want to remain on lay-off or separate with the company. You will be considered on lay-off if you do not choose to separate. NWA has sent out the packet containing information on how to get back into Radar and make your selection. Please make sure NWA has your correct mailing address on file. If you have not received the packet from NWA, please call Lisa Hearth at .

Local 33 is eager to welcome our honorable brothers and sisters from Local 5 who have stayed true. We have grown very close over the past 15 months and hope we can measure up to your current representation. Local 5 has been blessed with some very dedicated leaders who have stayed the course although the struggle became very difficult. Our hat is off to you Dennis Sutton, Kurt Booza, Mark Jacobs and Dennis Heinze. Solid!

Please have a safe Thanksgiving weekend.

September 29, 2006

Saturday, September 30, Marge Boyle is moving and needs our help. We are meeting at the Local 33 office at 8:00AM and carpooling to Marge’s apartment. Marge, who is in her late 70’s, had no affiliation with AMFA when our strike started. She has been picketing at least 4 days a week because she believes in our strike. We made Marge an honorary lifetime member of Local 33 at our one-year anniversary Striker’s Ball. Now it is time for us to volunteer for Marge. Everyone please do what it takes to get here on Saturday. If you cannot be here at 8AM, go directly to her apartment at 2062 Marshall Ave. #32, St. Paul.

There will be Dislocated Worker’s (DW) meeting at Wing’s Financial on October 3 at 9:00AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00PM.

We have also scheduled DW meetings on October 10 at the same times (9AM, 1 and 6PM) for our Duluth members at the La Grande Supper Club. Everyone should attend one of these meetings for this important information, whether you are employed or not. There are people scheduled to be on hand for the intake process. For more information about the DW program, go to www.deed.state.mn.us/dw and click on the link for airlines.

If you have not called in to the UI department () and received your appeal form and hearing date, it is not too late. We have a package put together to help everyone prepare for their individual hearing. There will be a link on the website for members living outside the Twin Cities area on how to get a package. Or, just stop by and pick one up at the local office. Please do not call for a package, unless you do not have Internet access. However, if you do not have Internet access, how did you read this update?

For L33 members living in other states and still battling UI benefit claims, continue utilizing AMFA legal for assistance. If you do not already have their contact information, go to www.ssmplaw.com or call .

Please make sure NWA and the Local 33 office have your current contact information. For NWA, contact Payroll at and the Bid Desk at . To update with Local 33, email your new address, clock number and all other contact information to We will respond to you after updating the database. If you are eligible to vote in AMFA elections, both NWA and AMFA must have your current information.

As of today, Mesaba and its unions have not come to terms on an agreement. Mesaba has stated it will go back to court for permission to throw out all union contracts.

Tim O’Keefe, our long-time eyeglass provider is still available at , Ext. 42064. Leave a message and he will arrange a time to personally meet. Tim provides safety, sun and regular prescription glasses at very reasonable rates.

Gary Schuh, injured in a motorcycle accident, is no longer in intensive care. He is getting better and is now in a regular room at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). There is a benefit account at Wings Financial Credit Union to help Gary’s family make ends meet while he is recovering. The account number is SV 0100004319. Please help Gary and his family to pay the bills by donating whatever amount you can

Flowers and cards can be sent to

Gary Schuh
.
Zimmerman, MN 55398

Gary is an honorable striking member of Local 33.

Please take the time to read the book we gave out titled, “Middle Class-Union Made” by Richard Levins. All union members, concerned citizens and workers should be concerned of where our economy is heading and it needs to be turned around. Read the information that Levins has put together in this book and tell others.

Please get involved in your local legislative election process. Workers across the nation have been beaten down and their pay and benefits taken away, while the government blessed the action. If we do nothing, then we will keep getting the same results. Get involved-Make a change!

September 13, 2006

The Director of the unemployment insurance (UI) department told us the unemployment checks will automatically be sent to those who filed a claim, within two or three days. You do not have to do anything. If you do not receive a check by September 22, 2006, please notify UI customer service at . The total amount for our benefit period (26 weeks) is $13,390 ($515x26). If your claim is over $9999.99, it will come in two checks. The second one will arrive a couple days after you receive the first check. The UI system will not allow one payment over $9999.99.

The UI department is only sending out benefit checks automatically for the weeks that have been requested by individual. You will only receive payment for the weeks you actually requested. You must call the UI customer service department at to claim any back payments for the weeks you did not request.

We will be meeting with a representative from the Dislocated Worker Program on Monday to get details on how to obtain benefits. We will send out another update as soon as we have more information.

Gary Schuh is getting better, but still remains in the intensive care unit at HCMC, at least through the weekend. He cannot receive flowers at this time, but cards can be sent to Gary at HCMC Level 1 Trauma, 701 Park Ave., Minneapolis Mn. 55415.

September 12, 2006

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled on the unemployment case concerning our claim at the beginning of the strike. AMFA appealed the denial of benefits for Technicians and NWA appealed the granting of benefits for the Cleaners and Custodians. The court combined the two cases. Their ruling affirms custodians and cleaners are eligible for unemployment benefits. But they concluded that the Unemployment Law Judge erred as a matter of law in determining that the technicians and inspectors were ineligible for benefits, and that determination is reversed. At this time, we do not have any details about the settlement and will send out an update as issues become clearer. Again, the Court of Appeals overturned the ruling of denying Technicians unemployment benefits. Here is the link to view the ruling. Click here

The NWA /AMFA population has changed somewhat since the strike started. Please come in and view the seniority list to find out where you stand per classification. On August 19, 2005, the first day of our strike, we had a system wide total of 4,369 members. 815 Cleaners, 73 Custodians and 3,456 Technicians. Here is an estimated breakdown of our members as of June 1, 2006. Total number of striking Cleaners, Custodians and Technicians system wide is 3,551. There were 306 scabs out of the 4,369 that walked off the property. 328 members have retired and 184 members have resigned.

Scabs are members in bad standing and not allowed to vote in any AMFA election.

Please be advised these numbers are estimates only, as of June 1, 2006.

On Aug 31, 2001 AMFA represented 9,528 Technicians, Cleaners, and Custodians. NWA had already laid off 5,159 AMFA represented employees prior to the strike, by taking advantage of the tragic events of 9-11-2001 and the beginning of the IRAQ war in 2003.

Please be sure to attend one of the business meetings next Tuesday at either 9:00am or 6:00pm. We will be having a question and answer period with Mike Germain, DFL running for Senate in District 37, (Apple Valley/Rosemount) directly following each meeting.

Gary Schuh was severely injured in a motorcycle accident last week. Gary remains in intensive care at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). His best friend, Rich, has set up a benefit account at Wings Financial Credit Union. The account number is SV 0100004319. Please help Gary and his family to pay the bills while he is laid up by donating whatever amount you can. We will supply an address where flowers and cards can be sent as soon as available. Gary is an honorable striking member of Local 33.

September 1, 2006

Last year, in acknowledgement of Labor Day, Local 33 and the MSP Solidarity Committee, took to the streets of Minneapolis to stand in front of chartered busses in protest of bringing scabs onto the Northwest property. Hundreds of striking members and supporters rode on busses to three different hotels where the scabs were staying and successfully blocked their movement for hours. When corporations continue to bust union contracts using the bankruptcy court, more workers will need to protest in the streets. After one year on the picket line, our focus has blurred, but our dedication to Labor Day will be displayed by co-sponsoring a Rally with the Association of Flight Attendants. This Labor Day Rally is to bring attention to the attacks made on union workers at Northwest Airlines. Everyone is welcome, so please plan on attending and bring your families. There will be food, drink and entertainment. The rally will be at Veteran’s Park Picnic Shelter in Richfield at 6335 Portland Avenue (Crosstown 62 to Portland Avenue and go south.).

In honor of Labor Day, the Local 33 office will be closed and all scheduled picketing is cancelled for the day. Please feel free to picket on your own if you wish. Site B-1 can have 5 picketers and one vehicle under our permit. As usual, please abide by the permit rules enacted by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Local 33 does not condone violence or unlawful activity.

Mike Germain, who is the DFL candidate for Minnesota State Senate in District 37, (Apple Valley/Rosemount) would like to hear our concerns immediately following each business meeting on September 19^th. Mike is running against the incumbent Republican, Chris Gerlach. If you are not aware of Senator Gerlach’s involvement in the failure of our unemployment bill this past year, please attend because all will be disclosed. Over 17,000 retired and active NWA employees live in District 37, making up the largest block of voters. If you live in District 37, we encourage you to attend and bring your spouse and voting members of your family.

NWA has not yet responded to the issues presented to end the strike through a ratified agreement. We will update the membership as soon as we hear back from NWA. Their focus has been concentrated toward thwarting AFA’s CHAOS in court. In the meantime, NWA has imposed terms and conditions on the flight attendants without their consent, without acknowledgement from the court that temporarily stopped AFA’s strike activity. NWA has been granted permission to throw out the AFA’s contract, but the AFA was ordered not to protest the action with CHAOS. The court has not set a date on when the permanent ruling will be delivered.

I want to personally thank those who continue to picket regularly; especially those who I forgot to pick up last week. The strike has been carried on your shoulders and it has not gone unnoticed. While our token of appreciation is not much, we hope it helps your family struggle less. We respectfully ask that you keep coming back to help us with this battle.

NWA’s maintenance costs have risen only 22% while the airline has shrunk over 30% since the beginning of the strike. 90% of AMFA members have not crossed the picket line and remain on strike. Please come and picket whenever you have time. Thank you for not crossing the picket line and have a great Labor Day Weekend.

August 25, 2006

Today, a federal judge temporarily blocked NWA flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) from going on strike. U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero said he will issue an injunction to allow time for him to examine the case. But in the meantime, the flight attendants must work under the terms that Northwest Airlines has imposed on them since August 1, 2006. It is very confusing why the judge is stopping the AFA from striking, but not stopping NWA from imposing terms and conditions on the flight attendants. The flight attendants at NWA have been, and continue to be, more than welcome to join our active picket line.

In the August 17, 2006 update, I incorrectly stated that the judge ruled in favor of the AFA on their right to strike. After reading the ruling, it was clear that the judge did not make a ruling for or against anyone, but simply stated he had no authority to rule on such a case. Thankfully, an anonymous reader brought it to my attention. I apologize for the misrepresentation of this issue.

The Minnesota State Fair is now running through Labor Day weekend. The Mesaba Labor Coalition, made up of ALPA, AFA and AMFA, will have a booth in the House of Labor. Please stop by and see them to show our support. If you do attend the fair, please wear your “On Strike” T-shirt proudly to remind everyone there is still a strike at Northwest Airlines.

Yesterday, NWA notified AMFA legal they will get back to us on our negotiations late next week or early the week after. NWA has focused their attention on the flight attendants this past week. We will send out an update when further negotiations have been arranged. In the meantime, please stop in and picket when available.

Last Saturday night was our first annual Strikers’ Ball, held on the day of our one-year strike anniversary. Over 250 people showed up throughout the night. It was great to see everyone smiling and talking about their new jobs and humiliating stories about scabs. Local 33 would like to thank everyone who helped to put this event together, from the “Brass Balls” to the “Top 10 Reasons I Scabbed”. The night will be remembered for the rest of our lives. This strike is leaving all of us with newfound strength and courage. It is separating the wheat from the chaff. I am humbled by your tenacity to see this struggle through to the end. No matter what anyone ever says about this strike, we have stood tall through tremendous difficulties, been knocked down, almost out, several times but have remained true to our principles and ourselves. We have sacrificed so much monetarily by doing the right thing, but have gained much more than money can ever buy and have been bonded together forever behind this line in the stand. We understand that the difficulty of the struggle cannot be chosen, only the struggle itself. I am honored to be standing with you, no matter how difficult it may be. I wanted to deliver this message Saturday night, but was overcome with emotion when I looked into the faces of such proud and respectable people.

August 17, 2006

It has been ruled that the long time belief that union workers have the right to strike when the terms of a contract are changed without consent is NOT illegal. NWA had filed suit against the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) asking the courts to rule any job action the AFA may attempt would be illegal. The judge has ruled against NWA, confirming what we have believed all along. This is so important for labor, especially since NWA has imposed their contract on the flight attendants on August 1. NWA imposed a contract even though the flight attendants had voted it down twice. Please thank the NWA/AFA flight attendants for putting up the argument that was able to shoot down NWA’s lawsuit. We send them our gratitude and support.

Saturday night at 7 pm we will be having the first annual Strikers Ball. We hope everyone will attend and bring your families. A donation has been made to the local to buy appetizers for the evening. Here is a link to the flyer with the details. https://amfa33.org/strikers_ball.htm Please RSVP to to give us some idea of how many will be attending. We will be selecting a name from this list to receive free beer.

On August 16^th, Mike Klemm and I traveled to Duluth for an informational meeting for those members who were consolidated from Local 35 into Local 33. Like all other members who live outside the Twin Cities and were merged into Local 33, they have been struggling to get accurate information and were very happy to see us. Over 80 people were in attendance. Mike and I were honored to try and answer all their questions. We look up to our Duluth members with respect for what they have endured over the past year. There are little to no jobs in that area of the state, yet they remain loyal to the strike. What has been especially hard for them was to watch their local president, Ken Reed, cross the picket line and scab his life away. Our hat is off to you all.

July 27, 2006

Today we received confirmation from NWA that face-to-face negotiations will resume again on August 15^th. It is clear both sides are willing to work to a consensual agreement that can be ratified by those members who remain in good standing. Striking members all remain in good standing. If you have retired or resigned from NWA, you will not eligible to vote in any ratification election. Please watch for updates on the local 33 website.

On Tuesday, July18th, myself and Local 5 president, Dennis Sutton, attended the NEC meeting in Denver to brief them on our strike status. Many issues were brought forward that were all satisfactorily addressed over the day long meeting. Del was in attendance and chaired the meeting. Strategies and goals were re-evaluated and adjusted to best suit the NWA membership.

David Bly, who is running for State Representative for District 25A (Northfield/Lonsdale), is sponsoring a meet the candidate event at the Wings Financial Credit Union in Apple Valley on Monday, July 31^st at 5:30 pm. https://amfa33.org/dick_levins.htm Also attending, is Richard Levins, author of “Middle Class-Union Made”. Mr Levins will be talking about issues surrounding the message of his book, which is strong unions make a strong middle class.

David Bly is the DFL endorsed candidate who will be running against the current Republican 25A Representative, Ray Cox. I don’t need to remind this membership how the Minnesota Republicans lined up against us in the 20/20 Plan debates and our unemployment appeals. We have the power to make positive changes in our state government. Please attend this event and support candidates who support labor. David Bly supports labor and he needs our help.

90% of AMFA members remain on strike against NWA. Their maintenance costs have risen 31% while the airline has shrunk over 30% since the beginning of the strike. Please come and picket whenever you have time. Thank you for not crossing the picket line.

July 17, 2006

Tuesday, July 18th we will be having our monthly business meeting at the Wings Financial building in Apple Valley. Meeting times are at 9 am and 6 pm. Previously, we announced that there would be help transforming our airline resumes into resumes that fit other industries immediately following the meetings. Due to a last minute schedule change, we will only have the resume help at 10:00 am. We do intend on having this person come in again on a different date. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

July 13, 2006

Next Tuesday, July 18^th, is our monthly business meeting at Wings Financial Credit Union in Apple Valley. Please attend one of the meetings at either 9 am or 6 pm.

We have been made aware that the NWA bankruptcy Proof of Claim forms sent to us by mail through the bankruptcy court, did not account for the interest owed to stockholders. We have produced an amendment that must be filled out and mailed to the court if you want to claim the interest. The interest for the ESOP stock comes out to $13.39 per share. Please follow this link for the details. https://amfa33.org/webmaster_note7606.htm If you have further questions, contact the Local for assistance.

The National Day of Solidarity and Support on June 30^th was very successful with about 175 people showing up throughout the day. Many people walked the picket line after enjoying some good food, drink and fellowship with other brothers and sisters of integrity. It was great way to see everyone and kick off the 4^th of July weekend. Thanks to all of you who attended. Our next event will be planned around the one year anniversary of our strike. More information will be put out when available.

Our move to Metro Office Park is now complete. We still have a lot of items that need to be put away, but it already has become home. For those of you who helped us move, we thank you so much. We would not have been able to do it without your help. We invite all striking members to stop in, see the new place and tell us what you have been doing.

The bankruptcy court’s decision on Mesaba's second 1113c motion will be issued in court on Friday, July 14 at 10 am. Unlike Northwest, the pilots, flight attendants and technicians have stuck together as a labor coalition in an effort to put up a defense against the devastating attacks brought on by the airlines through the bankruptcy process.

The judge in the Northwest bankruptcy has granted the company their request to throw out the flight attendants’ contract on Monday July 17^th. NWA and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) are currently trying to negotiate an agreement by the deadline.

No scheduled talks have been set with NWA at this time. 90% of AMFA members remain on strike against NWA. Their maintenance costs have risen 31% since the beginning of the strike. Please come and picket whenever you have time. Thank you for not crossing the picket line.

June 28, 2006

The Minnesota Court of Appeals heard testimony concerning the unemployment ruling for AMFA cleaners and custodians, brought forward by Northwest Airlines. Included in this hearing, was AMFA’s appeal of the unemployment ruling for technicians. Both of these issues stem from the unemployment insurance rulings back in September. Nick Granath brought forth AMFA’s argument in favor of granting unemployment insurance for our members because of the drastic pay and benefit cuts imposed by NWA. Attorneys for both NWA and the Minnesota Department of Employment &Economic Development argued against allowing AMFA members to have unemployment insurance. The panel of three judges normally make their rulings within the state statute guideline of 90 days. We should look for a ruling in late September.

Their will be a job fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center geared towards the AMFA population. We encourage everyone to attend in business attire with resumes in hand. We will update with a list of employers attending when that becomes available.

To help prepare for the job fair, a representative from the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics will give a presentation on how to transform our aviation resumes to fit other industries. This will be like a workshop and we ask everyone to bring their resume. These presentations will be after each business meeting at approximately 10AM and 7PM, depending on when the business meeting ends, on July 18, 2006.

This Friday, June 30^th, we will be having the Day of Solidarity and Support at the Highland Park Pavilion in St. Paul from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please attend to support the picket line, have some good food and drink and see old friends. We will have shuttles running all day long to and from the picket site. Come and helps us kick off the July 4^th weekend and remind everyone that we are still on strike against Northwest Airlines.

June 17, 2006

We are moving the Local 33 office on Saturday, June 17th to:

Bloomington MN. 55425.

The new office phone number will be and the FAX number will be .

Please report for picket duty at our current location at Apple Tree Square on Saturday and Sunday. We will be running all functions out of the new location at the Metro Office Park starting on Monday, June 19th.

We will be getting rid of our old wooden desks and partitions after the move. If members are interested, please contact the office.

We will be having the June business meeting on Tuesday, June 20th at Wings Financial in Apple Valley. Meeting times are 9 AM and 6 PM.

On Friday, June 30th AMFA is hosting another Day of Solidarity and Support at Highland Park Pavilion in St. Paul from 9 AM to 7 PM. We encourage everyone to attend and bring your family. Food, drink and shuttle rides to and from the picket locations will be provided. Please come and join other honorable men and women for laughs, fellowship and to kick off the July 4th weekend with a bang.

No scheduled talks have been set with NWA at this time. 90% of AMFA members remain on strike against NWA, while their maintenance costs have risen 31% since the beginning of the strike. Please come and picket whenever you have time. Thank you for not crossing the picket line.

June 6, 2006

AMFA members have been receiving proof of claim forms from the court overseeing NWA’s bankruptcy this week. We are waiting for advice from our legal council about the disposition of these forms. When we have concrete answers, we will do an email and website update.

On that same note, the bankruptcy court has set a deadline of August 16^th for all claims to be submitted. If you have not filed your proof of claim for ESOP stock that was issued for pay cuts in the 1993 agreement, you must do it by this deadline. We have detailed instructions for viewing at the Local 33 office.

Now that the Legislature has finished up for the year, it saddens me to say the House of Representatives would not bring forward a bill for us to attach an amendment that would have allowed AMFA members into the Dislocated Worker Program. It has been told to us over and over that the Pawlenty administration is against giving striking workers any benefits, even though our cleaners and custodians received the same benefits. Please remember this when it comes to election time. We must vote if we are going to make changes.

The Local office will be moving to Bloomington Mn. 55425. We will be closing this office on Friday, June 16^th and opening up for business in the new location on Monday, June 19^th. We would like to get some volunteers to help with the move on Saturday, June 17^th. If you can spare some time, please help us make this transition as easy as possible.

As many of you know, we had a very uplifting Day of Solidarity and Support on May 26^th with over 350 people attending throughout the day. It was great to see everyone again and was very rewarding to see our picket lines so full. Thank you to all who showed. Because of the great turnout around the country, AMFA has decided to have another Day of Solidarity and Support on Friday, June 30^th at Highland Park Pavilion from 9 AM to 7 PM. Just like the last one, food, drink and shuttle service to and from the picket site will be provided. Come for the fellowship and bring your family to help us kick off the July 4^th weekend. It is the time of year for some fireworks!

No scheduled talks have been set with NWA at this time. 90% of AMFA members remain on strike against NWA. Thank you for not crossing the picket line.

May 22, 2006

This Friday, May 26^th, is the National Day of Support and Solidarity for striking AMFA workers. AMFA will be picketing at airports across the nation to show we are still on strike against Northwest Airlines. Local 33 has reserved the pavilion at Highland Park in St. Paul as a staging area for picketing. We are encouraging everyone to attend and bring your family and friends for a day filled with fellowship and food. Mike Hatch, Steve Kelly and Becky Lourey, DFL candidates for Governor, will be speaking starting at 4:00 PM.

Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be served from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and shuttling to and from the picket sites will be provided. We still need some volunteers to help throughout the day. If you can spare a little time to help, call Susan at . Please make every effort to attend this Day of Solidarity and Support, even if it’s only to stop in and say “Hi”.

Thank you and see you on Friday.

May 12, 2006

Today we have been notified that the Minnesota Court of Appeals has set June 28^th, 2006 for oral argument in our unemployment appeal from last fall, over whether the Technicians were locked out and therefore eligible for unemployment, and NWA's appeal of our win on the Cleaners and Custodians. The Court has joined both appeals in the same case. We will update again when we have time and location.

The Republican controlled House will not give HF 3120 a hearing in any committee and therefore is not allowed to be voted on by the full House of Representatives. We have tried very hard to show that these Unemployment Benefits are an investment in the Minnesota economy, but were refused by Representative Wilkens because we are on strike. The trend to support Northwest Airlines over its own citizens still continues in the Republican controlled House and Administration.

SF 2702 was passed by the full Senate along party lines with every Republican voting against it, including the cosponsor. Without a bill coming from the House, it will die.

We are currently trying to at least get into the Dislocated Worker program with an amendment that is traveling through the House. We know this will not help our members without the UI benefits, but seems that is all the House is willing to do. When we find out the disposition of the amendment, we will update again.

We held the quarterly Joint Advisory Counsel (JAC) meeting on the 9^th and 10^th in Denver. Members from all AMFA represented carriers were in attendance. We completely worked through our agenda. The NWA strike was still the most important topic. We heard reports on the events planned for the Day of Solidarity on May 26^th, from around the country. We also discussed getting an agreement with NWA that would be able to be passed by the membership. Dell was not able to attend, but did call in to give us an update on his recuperation.

Please attend the Day of Solidarity and Support on May 26^th at Highland Park for fellowship and ongoing picnic throughout the day. Shuttles will be provided to get back and forth to the picket locations. We ask that everyone attend and bring your families to help remind everyone of our strike on the Friday before the Memorial Day weekend. Food and drinks will be supplied. Let’s all get together for the kick off of Summer!

April 5, 2006

This is Ted Ludwig, president of AMFA Local 33. Today is April 5th, 2006. We have received the Notice of Decision of the Unemployment Law Judge for the evidentiary hearing held on March 23rd. The Judge ruled that the mechanics are ineligible for unemployment benefits while the labor dispute is in active progress. His determination is that the labor dispute is in active progress and therefore our benefits are denied. Please read the ruling posted on the Local 33 website. If you wish to appeal this ruling, follow the directions under the heading Request For Reconsideration. It will be the responsibility of individual members to file their own appeal. At this time, we encourage all members to contact their Representatives to support bill 3120 and their Senators to support bill 2702. We are sorry that the judge could not recognize that over 90% of our jobs are outsourced. Thank you.

February 17, 2006

Strike Rally

This Monday February 20th 2006, we will be having a rally at the MN State Capitol Rotunda at noon. We are rallying for the 6-month anniversary of our strike and to ask the Legislature for their help in obtaining unemployment benefits. We encourage all striking members and their families to attend this extremely important event. We would be honored to have union members from across the State of Minnesota attend and show their support for our striking members.

If you have not taken the opportunity to send in a letter to your state representative and senator asking for their help, now would be the perfect time. A sample letter is posted on the Local 33 website. Also available under the legislative section is a link to help you find your specific representative and senator.

Local 33 Business Meeting

We will be conducting our monthly business meeting Tuesday, February 21 at the Wings Financial Office in Apple Valley. Meetings are scheduled for 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM in the Denver Room on the 5th floor.

Office Equipment Sale

Local 33 will be selling excess office equipment (in as is condition) and supplies on Wednesday and Thursday February 22 and 23 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the room across from the Local 33 office. This sale is open to Active and Striking AMFA members.

February 10, 2006

On Monday February 20th , we will be having a rally at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda at noon. We are rallying for the 6 month anniversary of our strike and to ask the Legislature for their help in obtaining unemployment benefits. We encourage all striking members and their families to attend this extremely important event. We would be honored to have union members from across the State of Minnesota attend and show their support for our striking members.

If you have not taken the opportunity to send in a letter to your representative and senator asking for their help, now would be the perfect time. A sample letter is posted on the Local 33 website. Also available under the legislative section is a link to help you find your specific representative and senator.

January 30, 2006

AMFA National Special Election

AMFA National has posted notice for a special election to fill vacancies at the National. Local 33 has opened nominations for the positions of National Safety and Standards Director, Region II Director, and Industrial Safety Coordinator.

Nominations will be accepted at the Local 33 office until 4:00 PM CT on Friday February 17, 2006. Local 33 is allowed to submit one name for each position to the National for election. Should a Local 33 runoff election be required, we will provide required notice. Additional information is available on the Local 33 web site.

Local 33 Bylaw Changes

We are required to open up a period for members to submit changes to our current bylaws. Members of AMFA Local 33 in good standing may submit desired bylaws changes to the Local 33 office using the official submission form. Forms may be submitted in person, via FAX or by US Mail to the local office by 4:00 PM CT Friday February 17, 2006.

January 12, 2006

We will be conducting our regular monthly business meeting next Tuesday January 17, 2006 at the Wings Financial office building in Apple Valley. The meetings will be at 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM in the Denver Room. The Denver room is on the 5th floor in the Wings Financial building.

December 30, 2005

Today is December 30, 2005. The ratification vote for the recent contract proposal was rejected by a 56% margin. Our members have spoken loud and clear to the leadership and AMFA will remain on strike at Northwest Airlines. We encourage all members to continue picketing at their designated times. I would like to wish everyone a happy new year and please be safe over the Holiday weekend.

Ted Ludwig

December 27, 2005

NWA Recall

We have been receiving numerous requests about filling out recall paperwork for Laid off NWA members. If you were laid off from a position prior to the strike and desire to remain on the recall list, then you must file a recall during the month of December if you desire to remain on the list. If you were laid off from a higher classification and exercised seniority to a lower classification, then you must file a recall for the higher classification in which you were laid off. You need to do this by the close of business on Friday December 30, 2005. Striking members who were not laid off prior to the strike do not need to file a recall form with NWA. If you have access to NWA Radar then you can fill out your form online. Make sure you save a copy of the confirmation page. We also have forms available at the Local 33 office that you can fill out and Fax to the NWA bid desk. The NWA bid desk FAX number is . To confirm your FAX has been received call the bid desk at . Again a recall form must be filled out and received by the NWA bid desk prior to the close of business on Friday December 30, 2005.

Ratification Vote for NWA Strike Settlement Agreement

All eligible members should have received voting instructions from AMFA National in the mail by now. Any eligible member who has not received voting instructions in the mail by December 23, 2005, or anyone having questions about the voting process, should contact the AMFA Election Coordinator at . The voting period for this referendum commenced on December 16, 2005 at 3:00 PM ET and will end on December 30, 2005 at 10:00 AM ET.

NWA Technician denial of unemployment compensation hearing

There is no new information to report related to a hearing or a scheduled date for such hearing. As information becomes available we will post an update.

December 13, 2005

Strike Settlement Agreement

Update No. 33 has been issued by our AMFA NWA Contract Negotiators. You may view this update and the full text of the settlement agreement on the Local 33 web page or the National web page. At this time we are not planning an informational meeting regarding this agreement. AMFA National will conduct a ratification vote via phone or Internet voting. AMFA National will mail voting information and balloting instructions to your home. A time line for this ratification vote has not yet been determined. Any questions regarding this vote should be directed to AMFA National.

Local 33 Strike Staging Area

The area where we currently conduct strike-staging operations (behind the AmeriSuites hotel) will be moved to the Local 33 office beginning at 8:00 AM on Monday December 19, 2005. Picketers may check in at the Local 33 office beginning at 8:00 AM Monday morning. The office is located at 34th Ave. S. on the third floor in Suite 380, in Bloomington, MN. We ask picketers to please park on the lower level parking areas just below the regular parking ramp located south of the building during regular business hours. No parking is allowed in the spaces reserved for Wings Financial customers unless you are conducting business with Wings Financial. This parking courtesy will leave parking available on the upper level for the tenants and customers of the other businesses that occupy this building.

December 1, 2005

We have been receiving inquiries asking if the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance hearing has been scheduled for December 12, 2005. There is no trial date scheduled for December 12.

The state has a December deadline to deliver transcripts from the previous hearings.

Reception of these hearing transcripts will be followed by the submission of briefs from both NWA and AMFA. A scheduled date will follow and may be anticipated in February or March of next year.

As stated before, when information becomes available we will POST an update.

NWA Recall

For those members who were laid off prior to the strike, you can submit your recall renewal form via NWA Radar during the month of December.

November 23, 2005

We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who continue to remain strong and hold our picket line in our fight against NWA. We hope that you all experience a joyful holiday season even with the struggle we find ourselves immersed in.

Our Local 33 office will be closed this Thursday and Friday November 24 and 25 in observance of the holiday.

Again thank you for your commitment and dedication to this fight.

November 14, 2005

This is a reminder that the AMFA Local 33 Business meeting will be held tomorrow Tuesday November 15, at the Wings Financial Office in Apple Valley. The meetings will take place in the first floor conference room at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

November 9, 2005

MN Unemployment Insurance Appeal

The second appeal rejection for AMFA Technicians by the unemployment judge was appealed to the MN State Court of appeals the same day the ruling was received. Although we do not yet have a specific date, it is anticipated that the case may be heard in December. When we have more specific information an update will be issued.

Local 33 Nominations

A new nomination period is open for Local 33 positions to be elected in December. Additional information and nomination forms are available online at the Local 33 web site amfa33.org or at the Local 33 office. Nominations close on November 21, 2005 at 4:00 PM.

Cub Foods Holiday Gift Cards

AMFA Local 33 will be providing a Cub Foods gift card, from strike donations received to Local 33 members who have performed their assigned picket duty since the picket schedule change on October 17, 2005. If you have picketed at all since this date and are honoring the picket line, you will be receiving a letter from AMFA Local 33 in the mail. These letters will be mailed to eligible members on Thursday November 17. If you are eligible to receive this holiday gift card, you may pick up your card at the Local office during normal business hours (M-F 7:00 am to 4:00 pm) beginning Friday November 18. For those members recently assigned to AMFA Local 33 due to the October 26, 2005 Local consolidation, please contact the Local 33 office, you may be eligible to receive a holiday gift card if you have performed your assigned picket duty.

Union Rally

A solidarity, strategy and fight back rally, open to union members, the public, and all media is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Saturday November 19 at the Bloomington Jefferson High School Auditorium. Ray Rogers Director, Corporate Campaign, Inc, and other prominent Union and Political Leaders TBA will speak. Please attend this rally to let the public and the media know the NWA strike is not over.

October 28, 2005

NWA Striker COBRA Deadline

Please be aware of the fact that the deadline for NWA AMFA members to send in their COBRA request form for medical insurance is rapidly approaching. Information was sent to each member from NWA. If your personal situation warrants a need to continue you benefits under COBRA, you must respond to NWA postmarked no later than Sunday October 30, 2005.

You will be expected to make all previous monthly payments due within 45 days of this deadline to keep your insurance benefits in effect.

Payment is then due on a month-to-month basis due by the end of the each month. In the package NWA sent out to its striking employees, it is your responsibility to assure payment is sent in a timely manner. Northwest will not be sending you a bill, if your payment lapses you will lose your insurance benefits.

Halloween Feed

AMFA Local 33 is hosting a "Halloween Hog Roast" tomorrow Saturday October 29, at the strike staging area in Bloomington behind the AmerSuites hotel. Picketers and family members are invited. Food will be served beginning at 4:00 PM. Please bring chairs to sit on as table seating is limited.

Future Event

Please keep the evening of Saturday November 19 open in your calendars. An event is being organized for this evening. More news will be announced in future updates. Stay tuned and stay strong.

Confirmed Scab List

Most of you are aware of the fact that the scab list has grown. NWA's psychological warfare has taken it's toll on our weaker members Those of us at Local 33 are disheartened as we see new names added to this list it seems almost daily. We know many of you feel the same as you see some of your friends and coworkers cross the line. As scabbing members are confirmed they are added to this list. The names added are not necessarily the names of the people that crossed that specific day, but reflect the name or group of names that were confirmed on that day. Some of these people may have been working for days or weeks but were only recently confirmed. Remember as of today's Local 33 list, the total number of scabs reflects only three and a third percent of our membership. Ninety six percent of our members continue to hold the line. This gives us hope, encouragement, strength, and the conviction to stand up for what is righteous. Let us see if NWA scabs are up to the challenge of upholding NWA's schedule on the busiest weekend of
the year.

Stay strong and support each other with words and actions of encouragement.

October 24, 2005

We have received the decision from the MN Unemployment law judge Richard Croft, He has again disqualified our claim for unemployment compensation for NWA Technicians and Inspectors. The next step is to appeal the case to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, which was filed today October 24, 2005. The written text of the judge’s decision will be available for view on the Local 33 web page.

October 20, 2005

NWA Contract Negotiations

Jim Young AMFA Region 2 Director has informed us that AMFA will not be presenting the Companies proposal for ratification by the membership as previously announced. His update states that NWA added language in the back to work agreement the Association couldn't accept because it would violate AMFA's Constitution. NWA was unwilling to modify the language.

Local 33 Strike Informational Meeting

There will be an informational meeting this Monday October 24 at the Thunderbird Hotel/Convention Center. Meeting times will be 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM and will be in the Menominee room on the second floor. This meeting is for AMFA members only. Guests will not be allowed to attend. All members will be required to check in at the door. If you have your AMFA ID card available please have it ready to expedite the check in process.

MN Unemployment Insurance

We have not yet heard a response back from the Unemployment judge regarding our second appeal of the decision that disqualified our Mechanics' from receiving unemployment compensation. We will post an update as soon as we receive this information.

NWA Public Hearing

There will be a public hearing regarding NWA's current action toward AMFA and the labor movement at Macalester College this Sunday, October 23 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the Weyerhaeuser Chapel (one block west of Snelling and Grand Avenue in St. Paul). The Twin Cities Northwest Workers Solidarity Committee is organizing this event. Members are encouraged to attend to express their views on NWA's actions. Additional information is available on the Local 33 web page.

We would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the participants on this committee for the support and encouragement they have given us. If anyone is interested in being part of this committee, please contact the