Ladies and Gentlemen:

In just 25 days millions of Americans will turn out at their local polling locations and participate in the democracy of our great nation by voting in the 2012 election.  Despite unprecedented efforts in modern history to put in place obstacles intended to deny people the right to cast a ballot, we will determine the course of our own future.

This year, we will not only elect a President; we also elect one-third of the seats in the U.S. Senate and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives.  Elections are about choices and have consequences.  It is an important year to say the least.  As your elected Master Executive Council Officers we encourage you to give your support for the re-election of President Barack Obama.

As we’ve witnessed over the past four years, many decisions have been made which have addressed critical and key issues.  Going forward decisions will be made that influence the face of aviation.  It is paramount that policymakers in Washington acknowledge that the U.S. aviation system has profoundly failed airline employees over the past decade.  We have faced several turning points, and while important issues have been addressed, necessary changes remain critical for the security of our industry’s future.

Our Union, AFA-CWA remains committed to a philosophy of supporting political candidates of all parties; provided they support issues that are important to our Flight Attendant profession.  They must also have a proven track record of working for the improvement of the middle class and all Union members.

Our Union strongly supports both Democrats and Republicans for office that have an impact on our Flight Attendant profession.  The record of the two candidates for President, on issues of importance to our industry and our profession is clear.  While neither candidate may mirror our beliefs exactly, President Barack Obama has a proven track record to support many issues that are important to Flight Attendants and are of critical importance to the U.S. aviation industry.  Conversely, Governor Mitt Romney has supported an abundance of anti-worker policies.

Should you base your choice for President solely on this criteria?  Arguably no, but it should be a very important consideration in your decision.  It is our right and responsibility to choose a future supported by the candidates that continue to further the advancement of our careers and profession; and provides us the support in our role as front line workers, first responders, and safety professionals.

This election will be determined on voter participation.  We have an extraordinary opportunity in our country to participate in this democratic process and the strength of our Union is that we can take responsibility for our workforce collectively.  Whether on the jumpseat or with our families at home, we have the opportunity to make the determination that we will not allow circumstances to dictate our path, but rather we will choose the best path before us towards the future we have worked hard to achieve.

Flight Attendants will make a difference in this election.  Together we have a stake in the future of our industry and our future.  We are the beneficiaries of our own hard work, but it all begins with participation and casting your vote for the candidates who best supports your interests.  We have made a number of reference materials available on our website, including our AFA Voting Guide, and links to resources to provide education.  We encourage you to support Barack Obama for re-election.  Regardless of whom you choose to vote for, be sure you do vote.

In Solidarity,