October 7, 2004

Brothers and Sisters of Local 848,

First and foremost, your Negotiating Committee would like to thank each of you for the unified support you have shown us. Your actions during the last several days forced the Company to return to the negotiating table with a different view of our membership.

On September 26th we stood together and sent a clear message to the Company that we would not accept a sub-standard contract. The message of our collective voices was heard loud and clear. The Company returned to the table this week with a different way of thinking.

With the strength of our membership behind us, we clearly communicated our issues and demands to the Company. Our efforts are paying off; the Company is making significant movement in various areas.

We believe it's time to shift your focus away from the negotiations and back to getting the job done. Read between the lines. We anticipate we will have a contract worthy of presenting to the membership this Sunday, October 10th.

We will continue to keep you updated.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

United we stand! Divided we beg!