26 NMB No. 47

April 30, 1999

Case No. R-6656

NOTICE TO DISPATCHERS

EMPLOYEES OF AIRTRAN AIRLINES

The National Mediation Board previously authorized an election so that Dispatchers on AirTran can determine their choice as to representation for purposes of collective bargaining under the Railway Labor Act. On March 18, 1999, the Board sent sample ballots, notices and instructions to the carrier for posting. Ballot mailing was scheduled for March 25, 1999, and the count was scheduled for April 29, 1999.

Unfortunately, through a mailing error, the employees never received their ballots. The Board's investigation into this matter has established that the carrier did not contribute to the mailing error in any fashion.

THE BOARD HAS DETERMINED THAT THIS MAILING ERROR REQUIRES RE-RUNNING THE ELECTION. THEREFORE, THE BOARD IS CONDUCTING A NEW ELECTION WITH NEW BALLOTS AND A NEW MAILING DATE AND A NEW COUNT DATE.

THE NEW BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED MAY 3, 1999, VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS AND THE COUNT WILL TAKE PLACE MAY 24, 1999. THE DEADLINE FOR DUPLICATE BALLOT REQUESTS IS MAY 17, 1999. THE CORRECT ADDRESS FOR MAILING DUPLICATE BALLOT REQUESTS IS: NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD, WASHINGTON, DC 20572. EMPLOYEES WITH ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD CALL (202) 692-5040.

By direction of the NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD.

Stephen E. Crable

Chief of Staff