Dear Fellow Retiree,

We have lived and worked in interesting times. Now in retirement, we live in interesting and threatening times. Not just the U.S. and world economies, but specifically for us, the problems and challenges facing United Airlines and the airline industry. And what an industry!! ... dependent upon capital, labor and energy ... all three are required and necessary to operate. It’s amazing how the industry has survived - but it has, in remnants and no “bailouts”. I still have a keen interest in these things, and in United Airlines, because at the end of the day, our well being in the area of travel, health, and other benefits depends upon United Airlines. I don’t want to read about the industry and UAL just in the newspapers. If it affects me, my life, and my family, in the smallest way; I would like to know about it now and what action I can take to change it, if necessary!!

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The vehicle available to you to provide information (early warning), and oppose or condone actions planned or put in place by United is RUAEA, (Retired United Airlines Employees Association). National RUAEA was established about 35 years ago, primarily to provide a structure and process to continue and enhance the relationships, camaraderie and friendships among fellow employees. That function continues within RUAEA. We also have about 60 geographic chapters that meet regularly. The RUAEA monthly Newsletter and web site are first class and full of information about retiree benefits, policies and retirees throughout the country. Each year RUAEA puts on a Convention hosted in a different city and is attended by hundreds of UAL retirees. The convention, in PHX this year and in Orlando in 2010, provides a means to reestablish those relationships that we all experienced while still working. The camaraderie and events at the conventions are great!!

Beginning about six years ago, we decided to take a more aggressive role in support of retirees. Our officers now meet with Glenn Tilton, Chairman/President, Marc Ugol, Sr. V.P. Human Resources and other key United officers, influencing decisions that affect our lives. For individual retiree problems, RUAEA has a representative that meets monthly with an assigned HR Director. For major input from/to retirees on significant policy issues, we meet three times per year and on critical issues, we have received an audience, when requested, with senior officers.

A recent indicator of the success we have had working with United officers is the reestablishment of the retiree boarding priority. After meetings and numerous dialogs with United, we were able to restore/retain the BP-6 boarding priority. Another is the fact that there is no service charge for retiree travel in economy class. This didn’t happen by accident, RUAEA had input on this issue and we will continue to benefit. There have also been many specific life and health insurance and travel items concerning individuals that have been successfully resolved by working with United. This doesn’t mean that all problems are solved, but we do have a relationship wherein a resolution may be possible. I also want to clearly point out that in some of these major items, the decision made in our favor was not solely due to RUAEA’s action, but we got the word out to members early and we were influential in the company’s decision. On the other hand, we have been receptive to United’s needs. We have assisted the company in various community and national efforts, e.g. the breast cancer run in Chicago on Mother’s Day, political efforts such as the Washington/Beijing route award and others yet to come this year.

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I encourage you to join RUAEA and be part of a great organization, that is dedicated to the betterment of United retirees. Individually we are a voice in the wilderness, but numbers do matter. This letter is an effort to reach out and inform you about RUAEA. For the 25 dollars annual dues, (seven cents a day), it’s an avenue to keep your ear to the ground, and assist in protecting your benefits - diminished as they may be. Please review the enclosed brochure and send in the enrollment application. In everything we do, our effectiveness is directly related to our contact and relationship with our members. We need your help to keep you up to date on happenings that may impact you and to protect your existing benefits. You’ll have a good time being a member of RUAEA and continuing your airline friendships you have made along the way.

Sincerely,

Ron Robertson
RUAEA President