Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. Today is Tuesday, May 21, 2013 and this Sergio de Freitas, Frankfurt Council 20 Volunteer and MEC Hotels and Transportation Committee Member, reporting.

No Knives - Light Up Times Square

Since the TSA announced April 22^nd of their plan for knives being allowed on our aircrafts, the entire nation has stood up with Flight Attendants and aviation workers in protest of this policy change. 

Recently the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the International Association of Machinists and the Transport Workers Union representing Flight Attendants and aviation workers 200,000-strong launched a compelling ad in New York's Times Square calling on the public to join in our fight for a permanent ban on knives in the aircraft cabin.

The opening image shows the fist of Federal Law Enforcement Officer Association National President Jon Adler using a tactical hold on a pocket knife that could be used to kill inside the aircraft cabin. The sequence turns to an image of the Twin Towers from August 2001 followed by a plea, "Tell Congress: No Knives on Planes Ever Again" with the Capitol Switchboard number. The video then transitions to a memorial from Ground Zero with the faces of the crews of flights 175 and 93, adorned with ribbons and hand-written messages -- followed by the message "Never Again" and the website NoKnivesOnPlanes.com.

Millions of people will see the ad as it will plays on the CBS TV billboard, once an hour from mid-May to mid-July 2013.

But, this is still not enough. Knives WILL be allowed in our aircraft cabin if we don't continue to fight back and make No Knives on our planes a law. We need to continue to flood Congressional offices with calls right now and every day until we achieve a law that ensures No Knives, Ever Again!

Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative.

When you call state: "My name is _______ and I'm a Flight Attendant and constituent. I oppose the TSA plan to allow knives in the aircraft cabin. I would like my (Representative/Senator) to support bipartisan legislation to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin. Transportation security does not stop at the cockpit door.  Flight Attendants and passengers are not acceptable casualties in aviation security. Our country owes it to those we lost on 9/11 and all of us on the frontlines of aviation today – no knives, ever again.  Thank you."

Your phone call will be answered by a member of the Representative's staff who will note your request. They may ask for the name of your hometown, your zip code or your mailing address to verify you are a constituent.

The entire nation is watching this issue. We are leading the national debate. Let's show everyone that Flight Attendants will not back down. This will have lasting implications for every issue we face.  The time is now to exercise the strength we have by taking action together.

United Annual Stockholder Meeting – June 12 in Virginia

United's annual meeting of stockholders will be held on June 12, 2013, at 9:00 EST.

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Crystal City
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202

Doors open for registration and admittance at 8:30 for those accompanied by an admission ticket (stockholders) and a picture ID. If you are a stockholder, you should have received your Annual Meeting Notice and Admission Ticket in the mail, with information regarding Proxy Materials. For those of you unable to attend United's stockholder meeting to cast your ballot in person, you may vote online.

This year, proposals to be voted on at United's Annual Meeting are as follows:

1. Election of Directors – AFA recommends "Withhold" your vote.
2. Ratification of the Appointment of Ernst & Young – AFA recommends a vote "For."
3. Advisory Resolution approving compensation of the named executive officers – AFA recommends a vote "Against."
4. Re-approval of the performance measures under the 2008 Incentive Compensation plan – AFA recommends a vote "Against."
5. Approval of the amended performance measures under the 2010 Incentive Plan – AFA recommends a vote "Against."
6. Approval of an amendment to the company's amended and restated bylaws to provide stockholders with the right to call a special meeting of stockholders – AFA recommends a vote "For."

As always, we encourage you to read through the material and make an educated and informed decision. Your meeting notice contains instructions on how and where to vote your shares.

AFA Annual Dues Payment

Each year AFA advises Members that paying dues in advance annually provides you with the option of a 10% reduction. In order to take advantage of this reduction in annual dues, you must prepay by July 1, 2013. If you'd like to take advantage of this option, go to the Your AFA section of our website and click on the "Dues Payment" link. You can also send a check made payable to AFA-CWA for $518.40 and mail to:

AFA-CWA
P.O. Box 79797
Baltimore, MD 21279-0797

If you decide to pay your dues in advance and currently pay via payroll deduction, you will also need to do the following:

• Send a request to stop 2012 Payroll Dues Deductions with the July 16th paycheck to United (via Certified Mail):
  Payroll Account Manager United Airlines
  P. O. Box 66100
  Chicago, IL 60666
• Send a copy of your request to:
  Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO
  One O'Hare Center
  6250 N. River Road Suite 4020
  Rosemont, IL 60018

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the AFA International Membership Services Office at 1-800-424-2401, Extension 707 (Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm EDT).

Gadgets on Planes: The Electrified Debate Goes On

The use of personal electronic devices (PED) during "critical" stage of flight has been an ongoing debate for the last century amongst passengers, the government, airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Recently, The Washington Post recently ran an article about Kenneth Kirchoff, who is one of Boeing's research and development engineers. Kirchoff has been testing aircraft since 2003 to ensure the safe usage of PED onboard, focusing on how signals emitted from passengers' gadgets can muddle pilots' communications, navigation or surveillance systems.

The article articulates the solid reasoning behind why further study is needed before any changes are made. Being safe isn't always "convenient."

To read the entire article and find out Kirchoff's conclusion about PED please visit our website. 

That's all for this evening! Thank you for calling. Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Friday, May 17, 2013 and this Allen Ward, Denver Council 9 Volunteer, reporting. 

JNC Update
Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met with United management this week and has provided an update for all Flight Attendants.  You may review the update on the JNC website at www.ourunited.org.

Vacation Passes Missing
We are receiving a number of questions from Members who, after accessing United’s employeeRES site, discover that they are missing Vacation Passes. We have confirmed with United that each time a Vacation Pass is selected and a travel plan is made your vacation pass is placed under “Pending Vacation Passes”.  Once the pass is used, it is placed under “Used Vacation Passes”.  If the pass is not used and the reservation is not cancelled, you may have to contact the Employee Travel Center at 713-324-PASS (7277) or 866- FLY-EPAS (359-3727) to have the pass restored to your bank.  They must run a specific program to bring the Pending Vacation Pass “out of suspension” to credit it back to your Vacation Pass Allocation.  Cancelling your reservation prior to the flight departing should revert the Vacation Pass to your Allocation automatically.

Be Aware of Social Media
The use of Facebook™ and other social media “networks” have become widespread in the last decade, helping us stay entertained, socially engaged and connected to the world.  Yet, social media networks not only have the tendency to propagate inaccurate information, but also bring up issues of personal safety and privacy.  It is important to understand that social media networks can pose threats to our privacy and safety as well as that of others, if not used responsibly. 

We have complied a list for you to consider if you use Facebook:  

• Facebook has many ways to control privacy settings for almost every aspect of your page and content. It is prudent to use these options to protect yourself.
• Be mindful about "checking in” at the hotel when on a layover as this informs people that you are not at home and what hotel you are staying at.
• Be selective about who you accept as your friend, and even then, go ahead and use the “list” feature to control who sees what.
• Regardless of your interpersonal relationship, do not add supervisors as friends.
• Be careful about the photos you take and post. If you do post photos, respect those in the pictures and ask if you have their permission to be “tagged” or posted on Facebook.
• Be mindful of the fact that all postings contain time stamps.
• Be aware of the company Social Media Policies as well as the ramifications of any violation. 
• Do not post derogatory things about other employees or the company.  Use extreme care when posting any reference to the company.
• Avoid the urge to post or become involved in derogatory commentary about other employees and/or the company.

Remember, when using social media (as well as company email accounts) there should be no expectation of privacy.  Where accessing personal e-mail via the company’s computer system those communications are no longer private or confidential. 

Resolving Pay Discrepancies within the System
We continue to hear from many of you about your ongoing concerns with the payroll errors and how these errors have diminished your confidence that your pay is correct.  Further complicating your concerns, is your inability to speak to the right people at the corporation to have your questions completely answered in a timely manner.

In an effort to assist you in navigating United’s systems and successfully resolve any issues you may have with your paycheck, we thought an overview of the areas within payroll as well as a number of payroll terms would be useful before you start the process.  You can find the complete helpful article on our website. 

Filling Open Premium Positions – First Class Galley on 767ME Aircraft
We have received a number of questions on filling an open first class galley (premium pay) position on the 767 ME aircraft. Section 9.F.7. of our Contract provides the guidelines to fill an open premium position.

Open premium positions are available to any qualified Flight Attendant on the crew.  A Flight Attendant with less than one year of active seniority will not be allowed to assume a premium pay position unless no other more senior Flight Attendant is on the flight.  The premium position remains filled until the end of the original base ID or until the person filling the position leaves the crew.

Section 12.C.7.h. provides that Flight Attendants assigned to language qualified positions shall work non-premium positions. (A specific exception was negotiated to provide that Flight Attendants who are language qualified and also purser qualified may be required to fill open qualified purser positions.)

Open premium positions are filled in the following order:

1.    By the most senior qualified Flight Attendant who elects to fill the position

2.    By the most junior qualified Reserve.  If none is available, then

3.    By the Flight Attendant who picked up the position through Open Flying process.

If the Flight Attendant was assigned the position involuntarily (through drafting or reassignment), she/he is not considered to have picked up the position through the open flying process.  In that case, the position is filled by the most junior Flight Attendant on board with more than one year of seniority.

Section 9.F.7.b.
In the event there are no reserves on board, the most junior Lineholder will be involuntarily assigned to the open premium position(s).

In the event there are no Reserves on board the most junior Lineholder will be involuntarily assigned to the open position. In an instance where you may have junior Lineholders and a senior Reserve, the senior Reserve will be involuntarily assigned to the open position.

Once Filled, Remains Filled
Once the open premium position is filled it is retained by the person assuming it at briefing until she or he leaves the crew, even if she or he has not yet completed one year of service.  This means that a Flight Attendant who is more senior who joins the crew mid-sequence of an ID may not take the position from a non-qualified or more junior Flight Attendant who has assumed the position.

Again, follow the provisions of Section 9.F.7. and instructions in the FAIM Supplement (page 37) when filling open premium positions at briefing.

Ellen Church First Flight Attendant 83 Years Ago Today
In a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, Author Samantha Bomkamp brings focus on that first flight Ellen Church took 83 years ago today.  Here is that article:

“Ellen Church was the first female flight attendant to take to the skies, on a United Airlines flight from Oakland to Chicago. The trip on a Boeing 80A took 20 hours, made 13 stops and carried just 14 passengers. It landed in the Windy City 83 years ago today. That flight now takes about four hours. 

“Before 1930, flight attendants were all male and mostly sons of the men who financed the airlines. When Church and her early peers began flying, the standards were high: stewardesses could be no older than 25, no taller than 5 feet 4 inches and weigh no more than 115 pounds. They also had to be registered nurses to tend to commonly airsick passengers onboard, though they mostly served refreshments and lighted cigarettes and cigars. 

“Church, who was born in Iowa in 1904, went on to serve as a nurse in World War II after her career at United ended and later became a director of nursing at an Indiana hospital. She died in 1965 at 60 after a horseback riding accident. 

“In 2010, United commemorated the 80th anniversary of Church's maiden flight by retracing the route in a Boeing 767 with flight attendants donning vintage uniforms.”

That’s all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Tuesday, May 14, 2013 and this Bobbi Mas, Washington DC, Council 21 Volunteer, reporting. 

United Shares Their View of Negotiations

Today, United management distributed their respective view as it relates to our negotiations for a Joint Contract.  United believes there have been “widespread misrepresentations” on how we have reported on the lack of progress thus far.  In their communication they referenced the two provisions we’ve reached consensus on as “minor” and others we’ve not yet reached agreement on as “less-critical.”  We maintain every single part of our Contract is important and critical.

Our Joint Negotiating Committee earlier today stated in the OurUnited newsletter: “As you know, we continue to develop our proposals based on the interests of Flight Attendants from Continental, Continental Micronesia and United. 

“When we receive counter proposals from management we are trying to address their interests while staying true to your priorities and expectations expressed in our call for proposals and surveys.

“Remember, the best Flight Attendant Contract in the world requires the structure and protection of Contract language.”

Our JNC remains committed to negotiating a Flight Attendant Contract based on the direction our combined Memberships have made clear are our collective priorities.

No Knives! Call by Tomorrow!

Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) are circulating a new bipartisan letter urging TSA Administrator John Pistole to abandon his plans to allow knives on planes.

The letter tells TSA to listen to the clear message from aviation stakeholders, saying “the chorus of objections to TSA’s misguided rule change, from the Coalition of Flight Attendants Unions, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Coalition of Airline Pilots Association, and American Federation of Government Employees, and FlyersRights.org, along with American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and U.S. Airways, makes clear that permitting knives on planes for the first time since September 11, 2011, creates unnecessary risk for the traveling public and those who serve them at 30,000 feet.”

TSA Administrator Pistole could implement the policy changes as early as Memorial Day weekend according to the Washington Post: The TSA’s April 22 announcement to delay implementation of the changes is merely a brief procedural delay. Make a call today to urge your Representative to sign on to the No Knives Act, HR 1093, and the letter currently circulating by Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY).

The following script on our website should be used today through May 15, 2013 only.

We have to fight to keep knives out of the cabin in every way possible. Your action today could make the difference. Call your Representative today.

United’s Reconfigured A320 “AS”

United recently announced that the first of their reconfigured A320s, now by the letters “AS,”  entered service.   Two significant changes are the re-installation of two ovens in the aft galley, and the removal of the drop-down video system. 

These changes impose additional duties on us:

• 12F/138Y capacity.  FAA Minimum remains at 3 Flight Attendants
• Relocation of demo kits to under your jumpseat.
• Removal of the drop-down video system will require we complete a live safety demo on all flights.
• Because management has not updated the Announcement Book, the Safety Announcement for the Live Demo from the FAOM should be used.
• The preparation and serving of hot Buy on Board (BOB) offerings.

9/11 Widow On Cockpit Barriers

Ellen Saracini, widow of Captain Victor Sarancini of UA flight 175, who died when his aircraft was hijacked into the World Trade Center on September 11, has contacted President Obama. 

In her letter, she outlines the need for secondary cockpit barriers and cites CEO Smisek as having ordered these critical safety barriers to be removed from the 787 aircraft before United accepted delivery.

Mrs. Sarancini has been gaining support from Congress to enact legislation to require secondary barriers be installed on all aircraft.  The need for these barriers is illustrated by the fact that there have been 10 attempted hijackings of airliners since 2007, and the possible reintroduction of knives in to our aircraft cabins.  AFA and ALPA support secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial aircraft.

The O.N.E Campaign

In our last Dear AFA, we introduced the O.N.E. Campaign.  The functions of this campaign are to facilitate face-to-face communication in support of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), to serve as a direct source for the latest news about our Negotiations, and to foster Solidarity across our three groups of Flight Attendants.

O.N.E. stands for “Our Negotiations Expert”, who are Flight Attendants from all three subsidiaries, and who have volunteered to serve by acting as go-to volunteers for negotiations news.  Our Negotiations Experts can be identified by the O.N.E. tag which hangs below their crew badge.  Our MEC Membership Engagement and Communications Committees encourage you to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of the O.N.E.s, by asking questions and getting information from a reliable source!

Uniform Day – June 25

The company has designated June 25, 2013 as “Uniform Day One”, meaning that is the day we are to begin wearing our new uniforms.  Some of our authorized alterations centers are very busy. If you are finding these centers are reporting they will be unable to complete the alterations in time for the cutover based on volume, please contact your Local Council Office. 

If you have not yet received core pieces, you should call Cintas (1.800.UNIFORM) to make sure your order was recorded and is being processed.  Also, we are aware that alteration certificates were not initially sent with all uniform items.  The company is obligated by our Contract to cover all costs necessary to properly fit the new uniform.  If you are in need of additional alteration certificates, call Cintas for assistance.

Remember, the “core pieces” consist of the blazer, shirt, tie/scarf, skirt/pants, belt, apron, and serving jacket.  Other items, like dresses, sweaters, and aviator shirts, are optional pieces and will not be required on June 25. Such items may not be shipped by that time.

That’s all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Friday, May 10, 2013 and this Allen Ward, Denver Council 9 Volunteer, reporting.

Staff Not SAFA
Recently we brought to your attention concerns with United’s poorly conceived “Service Instructor” SAFA position.  United maintains these SAFAs are being placed on our aircraft to “lend a hand” to working crew and to provide “consistency.”  Initial reports indicate that the presence of these SAFAs in the “Service Instructor” role is very closely matching the result we predicted.

Let’s be clear on the consistency United hopes to achieve through this program: circumventing the need to properly staff our aircraft.

It’s important to remember that these SAFAs are not part of the working crew.  They sit in a passenger seat, and while they are Flight Attendants, their role does not include any Flight Attendant responsibilities as a crewmember.  If you are understaffed, this SAFA does not satisfy the staffing requirements, and you should request understaffing pay as appropriate.  Pursers should not be assigning these SAFAs to specific cabin work positions, as these SAFAs are not members of the working crew.

United may wish for these SAFAs to “lend a hand” during the service, but this does absolutely nothing to address the inadequate staffing United provides, which continues to fall far short of enabling a scheduled crew to provide adequate service consistently.  Once these SAFAs are gone, then what’s the plan?

If you have a SAFA onboard your flight who offers to help, consider whether you wish for them to “lend a hand.” Or on the other hand, if their assistance is not desired, tell them so politely and decline their offer of help.  Encourage the SAFA to report to management that the real issue with the lack of consistency is the lack of adequate staffing resources to complete the job. 

We have received reports management did not provide a clear job description.  Our Flying Partners with a genuine desire to address the service issues may not have realized the end result of their decision to participate.  Now that there is a better understanding on what this position entails, we recommend that they reconsider their participation in a program that ultimately serves management’s agenda and fails to address our legitimate staffing concerns. 

In any circumstance where a SAFA is assuming a working position on a flight, you should submit a marginal service report and identify that Flight Attendant work was performed by a “nonworking” Flight Attendant. 

No Knives!
This week, lawyers for nine organizations representing 400,000 aviation professionals, passengers and law enforcement officers filed a legal petition with Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) John Pistole and copied to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano seeking to rescind plans to allow knives in the aircraft cabins for the first time since 9/11. 

Wednesday, Representatives Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) circulated a new sign-on letter to John Pistole urging the TSA not to move forward with their “dangerous, unnecessary and irresponsible policy” that puts Flight Attendants and passengers at risk.  Markey and Grimm are asking their House colleagues to sign on to this new letter by close of business Wednesday, May 15 and they need our help.

TSA Administrator Pistole could implement the policy changes as early as Memorial Day weekend according to the Washington Post: The TSA’s April 22 announcement to delay implementation of the changes is merely a brief procedural delay. Make a call today to urge your Representative to sign on to the No Knives Act, HR 1093, and the letter currently circulating by Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY).

The following script should be used today through May 15, 2013 only.

Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative. Or, go here to look up your Congressional representative on-line.

When you call your Representative state:

“My name is _______ and I’m a Flight Attendant and constituent. The Washington Post says knives could be allowed on planes as early as Memorial Day weekend, which could also mean delays at airport security. I am calling to urge my Representative to sign on to a new letter to TSA Administrator Pistole being circulated by Congressmen Markey and Grimm that urges TSA not to keep the rule simple: No Knives on Planes. I also urge you to co-sponsor the No Knives Act, HR-1093, if you haven’t yet. (If they have, thank them.) Flight Attendants and passengers are counting on you to keep us safe. Sign on to the letter by contacting Dr. Chris Schaffer in Congressman Markey’s office or Aaron Ringel in Congressman Grimm’s office. Thank you.”

We have to fight to keep knives out of the cabin in every way possible. Your action today could make the difference. Call your Representative today.

Reserve “Z” Days
Our 2012-2016 Contract provides for the ability to construct Reserve Lines with more than 12 days off, up to a maximum of 16 (Section 10.D.2.).  This ability provides flexibility for those who wish to bid for greater days off, along with a reduced MIN for the month.  This change has spurred some questions, however, for those who did not bid for these lines, but were awarded them.  Specifically, how can these lines be identified? If awarded a line without having bid for it, can the “extra” days off be restored? 

The simplest way to recognize such lines is by the “Z” indicator on the days off, over and above the 12 guaranteed minimum days off.  Local Schedule Committees have recommended that these lines be the last lines in the Reserve package and in the header for each line, the increased number of days off will be reflected.  Our Central Schedule Committee has been working with the company to make these Reserve lines more easily identifiable within the bid package.  Remember more days off means a lower Reserve minimum, so be careful when you bid.  If you bid these lines, you are not entitled to restore Reserve days of availability and the corresponding Reserve Minimum.

If you are awarded a Line with more than 12 days off for which you did not bid, you can have all, or some of those days off restored.  You should call the crew desk at least 3 days prior to the start of your Reserve month, and our Contract requires that they consider your preference as to which day(s) of availability to restore.  The company will also include this information on the Cover Letter of our upcoming Bid Packages.

Known Crewmember Reminder
In early November of last year, all uniformed United Flight Attendants were able to take advantage of the Known Crew Member (KCM) Program.  At inception, KCM check-points were located at 31 airports around the country and the program provided expedited access to the airport while in uniform and in possession of a valid United Crew ID badge.   Since that time, further improvements have taken place with the issuance of KCM ID cards which have been made available to Flight Attendants to further expedite processing at the KCM checkpoint.

As processing at these checkpoints has improved and we’ve benefited from this expedited screening through passenger check-points, we have received some questions from Members who have been randomly selected for full screenings.  We remind everyone that all Crew Members are subject to random full screenings.  If you are directed by the TSA KCM Officer to a standard screening checkpoint, you should proceed through the standard screening process. 

In addition to these random screenings, should the KCM TSA Officer be unable to verify your employment status, you should proceed through the standard screening process and notify your supervisor.

United Annual Stockholder Meeting – June 12 in Virginia
United’s annual meeting of stockholders will be held on June 12, 2013, at 9:00 EST.

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Crystal City
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA  22202

Doors open for registration and admittance at 8:30 for those accompanied by an admission ticket (stockholders) and a picture ID.  If you are a stockholder, you should have received your Annual Meeting Notice and Admission Ticket in the mail, with information regarding Proxy Materials.  For those of you unable to attend United’s stockholder meeting to cast your ballot in person, you may vote online.

This year, proposals to be voted on at United’s Annual Meeting are as follows:

1. Election of Directors – AFA recommends “Withhold” your vote.
2. Ratification of the Appointment of Ernst & Young – AFA recommends a vote “For.”
3. Advisory Resolution approving compensation of the named executive officers – AFA recommends a vote “Against.”
4. Re-approval of the performance measures under the 2008 Incentive Compensation plan – AFA recommends a vote “Against.”
5. Approval of the amended performance measures under the 2010 Incentive Plan – AFA recommends a vote “Against.”
6. Approval of an amendment to the company’s amended and restated bylaws to provide stockholders with the right to call a special meeting of stockholders – AFA recommends a vote “For.”

As always, we encourage you to read through the material and make an educated and informed decision.  Your meeting notice contains instructions on how and where to vote your shares. 

That’s all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Tuesday, May 7, 2013 and this is Ian Kompel, Chicago Council 8 Volunteer, reporting.

Legal Petition: Keep All Knives Off Planes

Lawyers for nine organizations representing 400,000 aviation professionals, passengers and law enforcement officers yesterday filed a legal petition with Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) John Pistole with a copy to Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano seeking to rescind plans to allow knives in the aircraft cabins for the first time since 9/11.

"The Transportation Security Administration and the Homeland Security Department cannot dismiss the grave security concerns of 400,000 people on the front lines of U.S. aviation, including TSA's own Transportation Security Officers and Air Marshals," the coalition asserted. The coalition also includes flight attendants, gate agents, pilots, law enforcement and passengers.

The petition makes critical points (the full details of which are available on our website):

• Permitting knives in the cabin is an unnecessary risk to Flight Attendants and the traveling public

• It would be irresponsible to relax the TSA's existing policy on knives

• Federal regulations currently ban all weapons on airplanes and in airport secure areas, and a knife is a weapon.

• TSA's argument for the change is false.

• Officers would have to devote substantially more time to screening knives and security lines would slow.

The planned rule change is arbitrary and capricious and to implement it without using the federal rulemaking procedure would be unlawful. If TSA moves forward with this dangerous change, the petitioners reserve the right to challenge TSA in federal court.

Without warning, TSA announced in March it would allow certain knives (with blades up to 2.36 inches long) through security and into the passenger cabin starting April 25.

Following massive opposition from those on the frontlines of aviation and national security concerns highlighted by the April 15 Boston terrorist bombings, TSA announced April 22 it would temporarily postpone the new knife policy. It has not said it would reconsider the policy shift.

The Coalition's legal filing is adamant: No Knives on Planes Ever Again.  Visit our website for additional details.

United's Special Leaves Will Impact Seniority

United recently communicated with employees about their HR Special Leaves and Career Transitions program for June.  Details of this company program are available on the company's website.

Should you choose to bid for this HR Leave it is important to understand that while this leave is not the same at the Contractual Special Leave of Absence outlined in our Contract, it will have an impact on seniority.  You should carefully review the company's "HR Special Leave of Absence" information, particularly as it pertains to insurance, pass travel, vacation, sick leave accrual and all conditions association with the leave.

Flight Attendants awarded any combination of special leaves under Section 23.B. which total 180 days or more within a 12 month period will not accrue seniority for each of the days in excess of 180 days on special leave status. Make an informed choice and consider the benefits and consequences of this HR Special Leave.

Company Publishes Boarding Priority Chart

At long last the company published their concept of a Space Available and Positive Space Boarding Priority Charts, which is available on our website. (.pdf)

As you review the positive-space boarding chart, you may notice a concept of positive space categories, which are based on job classification.  These include captain, first officer, ISM, mechanic with subsidiary specific differences noted.  It's important to understand, that while their chart indicates "seniority applies: in almost every category, it is applied within specific boarding priority category with, for example, all PS1B being upgraded before any PS4B or PS5B.

Contact your Local Council with any questions you may have on United's charts.

Spring Regular MEC Meeting Concluded

Last week the United Master Executive Council (MEC) concluded our Spring Regular Meeting in Chicago.  The MEC discussed the business of our Union and the summaries of those meetings are available on our website.

During the MEC meeting a motion was made to recommend all United Flight Attendants not participate in United's newest Special Assignment Flight Attendant (SAFA) program in the capacity as a "Service Instructor."

The motion was acted on and adopted unanimously by all Local Council Presidents making up the United MEC.  The crystal-clear message to management and Members from the United MEC is that if the company wishes to put SAFAs on the aircraft to "work"  or "lend a hand" to the working crew as a means of encouraging "consistency," the money spent for this program is better spent increasing staffing levels to support our good work onboard the aircraft and offer passengers a consistent level of quality service without this temporary "fix" to the existing staffing deficiencies.

The unanimously carried resolution sends out a message to strongly recommend that Flight Attendants not participate in United's Inflight Customer Service Support SAFA positions as "Service Instructor" until United Inflight management appropriately staffs their aircraft.

We encourage you to review the information and contact your Local Council with any questions you may have.

Joint Membership Engagement Training

Today 63 Flight Attendants from United, Continental and Continental Micronesia gathered in Chicago for a 1-day Joint Membership Engagement training.  This historic step forward is a pivotal moment which will increase our solidarity and power towards a successful negotiation.  Additional details will be provided in this Friday's OurUnited update.

That's all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Friday, May 3, 2013 and this is Allen Ward, Denver Council 9 Volunteer, reporting.

OSAP Resolution from the MEC Meeting

During the MEC meeting this week, Greg Davidowitch provided the MEC with information that suggests the company is no longer interested in maintaining a non-punitive, self-reporting Onboard Safety Action Program (OSAP).  Over the past several months, AFA representatives have been working with representatives from management and the FAA to find an acceptable alternative to the program that seems to be desired by the company.
 
United Airlines has been the industry leader in the establishment of Safety Action Programs (SAP) and our Program continues to be the model to which industry SAP programs are measured.  In place of the industry leading safety program that has worked well for the company and Flight Attendants, the company has proposed changes to our OSAP that would defeat the self-reporting nature of the program and provide for, in some instances, disciplining Flight Attendants who submit OSAP reports.
 
To be clear, the OSAP Program has been a success for Flight Attendants and the company while, at the same time, proving to be a valuable tool for the FAA to identify safety issues that need to be positively addressed in the interest of safety.  In the interest of maintaining this program, AFA has advocated to both United and the FAA for the program to be extended for an additional 90-day period to review the findings of the working group that was tasked with reporting on the benefits of maintaining the program as well as the consequences of discontinuing it.
 
The United Master Executive Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of an OSAP program that provides for the self-reporting of safety issues while maintaining the standards currently in place to protect Flight Attendants from discipline that might otherwise result from the reporting process.  This resolution can be found on our website.

MEC Regular Spring Meeting Update

This week your Local Council Leaders attended the Spring 2013 Regular Meeting of the United Master Executive Council in Chicago.  Your Local Council President, joined by the 14 other Presidents from around our system, addressed the business of our Union and the issues that are of importance to our Flight Attendant community.  Daily Summaries detailing each day's discussions, are posted on our website.

Uniform Updates

Today the company finalized plans on the cutover date for the new uniform.  June 25th it is.  Given this announcement, the concern expressed by those who have yet to receive all of the necessary components of the uniform is justifiable. 
 
Inflight management has indicated an awareness of the numbers of individuals who are without the complete uniform.  We have been told by management they are working closely with Cintas, our uniform vendor, to track the manufacturing and shipping processes for back ordered pieces.  Based on an ongoing review of this information, management has set the cutover date and anticipates having uniform pieces to all employees.
 
We are receiving reports from around the system that some uniform items, once machine-washed, have shrunk and can no longer be worn because they don't fit.   Management has been told by Cintas this shrinkage is the result of not following the garment care instructions and is not a fabric quality issue.  Be advised that there are different care or laundering instructions for each garment. It is absolutely not a "one size fits all care instruction." For example, garments made of uniform "suiting" material are to be laundered in cold water, low heat drying and use of a "cool" iron to remove any remaining wrinkles in the fabric.  Use of fabric softener is to be avoided.  Uniform shirts, on the other hand, must be washed in warm water with like color fabrics and, once dried, removed immediately from the dryer to avoid wrinkling.  The uniform overcoat and liner cannot be laundered and must be professionally dry-cleaned.

We've learned that a separate document detailing care instructions isn't included with the material shipped with the uniform to your home. In addition, not all uniform items have care instructions sewn into them.  If you are unclear about how any of the uniform items are to be cared for, contact Cintas Customer Service for specific instructions.  
 
Should you encounter a situation where any of the uniform items have shrunk, you should contact Cintas for assistance in securing replacement pieces.  In the event you are unable to resolve the situation with the Cintas Customer Service Representative, contact your domicile uniform coordinator or any inflight supervisor for further assistance in obtaining the necessary uniform pieces.  Management has indicated that the stated goal is to have Flight Attendants in full uniform on the cutover date, feeling good about wearing the new uniform.   Don't hesitate to contact your Local Council Office for further assistance.
 
We continue to receive questions and calls expressing concern related to the California Proposition 65 notice sewn into the uniform purse.  AFA representatives met with management to review the product testing that was recently completed on the components of the uniform purse.  We continue our work at dissecting the test results that were shared with the Union.  At this time, we can advise that management, based on the tests completed, has reached a conclusion that the purse presents no danger to those who use or carry it. 
 
AFA's preliminary review of the test results provided confirms that the chemicals tested for in the components of the purse are within the tolerances contemplated by California Proposition 65. California State Law contemplates that manufacturers have a choice to make as it relates to the testing contemplated under Proposition 65.  If the testing (which can be costly), is not completed, manufacturers are required to include this product warning notice.  Said another way, had the manufacturer completed the required testing and ended up with a similar test result, it is likely the Proposition 65 notice would not have been required to be placed in the uniform purse.    
 
What is important to understand is that many products that we use in our daily lives contain the chemical compounds contemplated for testing under this State Law.  These tests under CA State Law monitor the levels of these compounds to ensure the concentration is at or below acceptable levels.  The law does not necessarily contemplate, nor does it require, a complete absence of these compounds. 
 
It should be clear that AFA is making no representation as to whether this product is "safe" or "unsafe" for use.  In our representational role, we continue to ensure that the product complies with the strict standards required by law while we reassure those who continue to have concerns about using this item that uniform appearance regulations do not require carrying of the uniform purse.  However, if you elect to carry another purse, it must be contained inside your suitcase or an approved uniform tote bag.   Our advocacy on this issue continues.
 
Finally, our discussions regarding the requirement for women to wear the uniform scarf with the uniform blouse have been ongoing.  We have advised management of the concerns that have been expressed about having to wear the scarf around the neck, especially in the confines of the aircraft cabin.  AFA has made specific recommendations for the uniform scarf to be developed with a "break-away" option that would provide the same level of personal safety as a clip on tie does for male Flight Attendants.  The company has declined to provide to this option.  Instead, the company continues to assert that there is no reason for concern, safety or otherwise, about wearing the scarf.   Further, those who wish to not wear the scarf have other options namely, the dress and short jacket.  We have communicated to the company the nature of your personal safety concerns.  Our advocacy on this issue is ongoing and we will continue to explore other options.

That's all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Tuesday, April 30, 2013 and this is Jeffrey Tonjes, Master Executive Council Communications Committee Vice Chairperson, reporting.

MEC Regular Spring Meeting Update

Today was the first day of the Regular Spring United Master Executive Council (MEC) meeting at the Hyatt Rosemont in Chicago.  Your Local Council President, joined by the 14 other Presidents from around our system, addressed the business of our Union and the issues that are of importance to our Flight Attendant community.

The MEC Officers provided the MEC with updates on a number of important issues and the Members of the MEC reviewed and discussed a number of issues affecting Flight Attendants in the workplace. We encourage you to review our Meeting Summary for additional information that will be posted later this week. 

Elections will be held tomorrow for the following MEC Committee positions: Central Schedule, Hotel & Transportation, System Board of Adjustment and Grievance.   We encourage you to attend if you are able to witness, as well participate in the democracy of our Union.  All Members in good standing (current with all dues obligations) including those on voluntary furlough are welcome to attend. 

Reserve Preferencing Update

In their Inflight Service Alert today, the company announced an update to the progress on our Contractual Reserve Preferencing Systems for Call-In and Ready Reserves. 

The company is in the final stages of development and continue their work to check for functionality of the system and compliance with our Agreement.  Based on current testing, the company is estimating that both systems will tentatively be available for use by the end of June 2013.  Testing will continue through May, while training is being provided to Inflight Scheduling and AFA prior to distribution to Flight Attendants.

As testing continues and progress develops we will keep you updated.

FAOM Revision #06

Revision #6, which has an effective date of May 1, 2013, is available in your domicile.  This revision contains updates that will allow you to remove Bulletins 5, 6 and 7, so please provide yourself ample time to review and insert it into your FAOM.

That’s all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Friday, April 26, 2013 and this is Allen Ward, Denver Council 9 Volunteer, reporting.

2012 Flexible Spending Account Claims Due by April 30

United employees who participated in the Flexible Spending plans (FSA) and who still have money in their 2012 flexible spending accounts must submit their final claims by April 30, 2013.

For additional information, visit Your Benefits Resources on United's Flying Together website or contact United Airlines Benefits Center at 800-651-1007 where representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, Central time.

Any remaining funds for which eligible claims are not submitted will be forfeited.

Partnership #9 Awards Posted

Bidding for Partnership Flying closed Wednesday, April 24 at 0800 CST.  United's Advance Schedule Planning has completed the review of the partnership bids and has determined that all Flight Attendants wishing to participate in this program would be awarded their bid.   Bids for the Partnership Program, where awarded to 278 of our flying partners.   

In total, 139 Partnerships were awarded to 278 Flight Attendants based in based in BOS, DCA, DEN, FRA, HKG, HNL, IAH, LHR JFK, LAS, LAX, NRT, ORD and SFO. There were no bids on file in SEA.  The new three-month Partnership period will begin June 1, 2013 and run through August 30, 2013. 

The Company will maintain a wait list of Partnership requests and award additional Partnerships, in seniority order, based on the seniority of the senior Flight Attendant in the Partnership. Soon we will have a link on our website to submit your bid to the Partnership Wait List.  For those who were awarded the Partnership or those who wish to consider a bid for Partnership, we encourage you to review the Partnership Packet available in theFurlough Section.

Spring United Master Executive Council Meeting

The Spring United Master Executive Council (MEC) meeting is planned for April 30th – May 2nd, 2013 at the Hyatt Rosemont in Chicago.  At the upcoming meeting, reports will be given by the United MEC Officers along with reports from the MEC EAP/Professional Standards, Benefits and Grievance Committees.

During the meeting elections will be held for the following MEC Committee positions: Central Schedule, Hotel & Transportation, Grievance and System Board of Adjustment.  The Local Executive Council Presidents (LECP) make up the voting body of the MEC.  A simple majority elects positions, with each LECP casting one vote for each open position.  If you cannot attend the meeting, take a moment to provide feedback to your Local Council President before the MEC Meeting begins on April 30th.  Additional information is available at www.unitedafa.org.  We encourage you to attend, if you are able to and witness as well as participate in the democracy of our Union.  All Members in good standing (current with all dues obligations) including those on voluntary furlough are welcome to attend.

United Reports 2013 First Quarter Loss

Yesterday United reported a loss of $417 million in the first quarter of the year, which includes $92 million in special charges. United posted a loss of $448 million for the same period last year.  Most other carriers reported profits for this quarter, although the entire industry performed less than investors and analysts predicted. 

Smisek's wallet suffered an appropriate and proportionate loss as well, as a portion of his compensation is tied to United's performance.  United is well behind schedule on delivering the "synergies" promised to employees and investors announced at the advent of their merger. 

The most significant obstacle left in United's merger is merging of the workforces, which cannot happen until everyone has joint Contracts.  While we're still relatively early in negotiations, it's well beyond time management come out from their delay tactics and rhetoric about negotiating company policy instead of real Contract language. 

It's time for management to take our negotiations more seriously and to accept the fact that our new Contract will have strong language, which protects our work and respects our time.  The results of delaying the process are evident in their revenue performance and it's in everyone's best interest to make real progress towards a real Contract.

FAA Budget Cuts

We recently reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had begun their furlough process of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel due to the sequestration.  This week both the US Senate and House have approved a last-minute deal to allow the Department of Transportation to shift $253 million in funds to the FAA's operations account to prevent and end the furloughs of ATC. 

It is unclear how long it will take for the FAA to fully staff the control towers so we would like to remind you that our Contract provides protections for us and flexibility to the company to continue operations during this process.  Carry your Contract at all times, and always ask the Contract Section being used for changes to your schedule from the crew scheduler if you are contacted.  If you believe there is a discrepancy, report it to your Local Council for follow up.  The Contract Education page of our website contains a number of articles on reassignment, irregular operations, order of assignment and drafting to assist you.

That's all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Tuesday, April 23, 2013 and this is Karen Hall, MEC Membership Engagement Chairperson, reporting.

TSA Delays Knives on Planes

Late yesterday, relenting to mounting pressure and opposition from our coalition of Flight Attendants, the TSA announced they will postpone their decision to allow small knives back onboard our aircraft until we've been provided an opportunity to be heard.  MEC President Greg Davidowitch addresses the developments in a letter today.

California Class Action Settlement

We have received notice that a settlement has been reached involving Flight Attendants and United Airlines in the state of California.  The proposed settlement, achieved through legal mediation, addresses the alleged violation of two of California Labor Code statues.  These statue sections 204 and 226 addressed the timeliness of payments and the information that must appear on an employees' pay stub. 

The complaint, filed on October 4, 2011, seeks civil penalties.  United denies all of the allegations, and rather than risk litigation has agreed to settle the issue.  The terms of the settlement, which still require judicial approval would provide the 4,236 Flight Attendants who were employed as a Flight Attendant at any time from October 4, 2010 to February 19, 2013 in California.  Eligible Flight Attendants who have worked out of LAX or SFO will receive a notice of the settlement from the claims administrator for the lawsuit and should follow the instructions.  A final hearing on the matter is expected to take place at the end of July 2013.

4,236 Flight Attendants are eligible for payments from a $925,000 pool, however lawyers and other fees will reduce the overall fund prior to distribution for those in the class.  The settlement provides for attorney fee's approximate to one-third of the amount of the fund.

As a reminder, AFA filed a Grievance MEC 6-11 in December 2011 stating our position that the company "has not properly paid Flight Attendants for work performed for United Airlines pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement."  In addition to other criteria MEC 6-11 seeks:

"Five (5) hours of flight time credit for pay purposes for anguish and turmoil associated with failure to provide accurate, timely compensation, the undermining of employee/employer relationship for any affected Flight Attendant."

Our MEC Grievance is pending in the System Board.  Our Legal department is reviewing the settlement information and we will provide additional details and information when it becomes available. 

Calling ONSL Within Eight Hours of Departure

Recently, we've heard reports that some Flight Attendants have been receiving phone calls from from supervisors regarding calling ONSL within 8 hours of scheduled departure. 

It is reported, these supervisors are reminding Flight Attendants of the "9.N.2. responsibilities," referring to our Contract which states: "When a Flight Attendant is unable to take her/his flight, she/he will notify Inflight Scheduling in not less than eight hours, except in an emergency, before the flight is scheduled to depart, and will in any event give as much notice as possible". 

To be clear, you should advise the crew desk as soon as you realize you will need to place yourself ONSL.  If you know you will be unable to work, you should call as early as possible, in advance of the 8 hour timeframe.  However, if you do not know you will be unable to work, or become ill within the 8 hour period prior to departure, you should call the crew desk and notify them of your absence in accordance with the 9.N.2. requirements.

If your supervisor makes a notation in your work history or otherwise documents your absence as it relates to 9.N.2. you should contact your Local Council by filing a Local Council Worksheet on our website.

We have filed MEC Grievance 4-13 on this issue and expect the case to move to the System Board.

787 Update

This past Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the fix developed by Boeing for the 787 aircraft.  Boeing has dispatched technicians around the world to make the necessary changes, which are expected to take about 5 days per airplane to complete. 

Following the FAA's ruling, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Deborah Hersman said, "We are looking for lessons learned…that can be applied to emerging technologies".  United has previously stated the expect to return the 787 to their schedule effective May 31, 2013.

ATC Delays

As expected, the furlough of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel related to the sequestration has begun to create significant delays and cancellations throughout the U.S. aviation industry. 

EWR, LAX and LGA are among the hardest hit so far, with LGA having 53% of its flights delayed on Monday.  Over the past two days, more than 600 flights have been cancelled and 12,000 flights have been delayed nationwide. 

In order to not compromise safety, the FAA has developed a plan to increase the distance between aircraft in flight, use more circuitous routes between destination points, and in some instances delay aircraft on the ground.  These measures are to address the problem of having fewer ATC personnel handing the same number of aircraft in the air.

These delays are having an impact on United's operation as well.  As the federal cuts continue to impact the FAA, we should be expect delays and irregular operations to continue.  Our Contract provides protections for us and flexibility to the company to continue operations.  Carry your Contract at all times, and always ask the Contract Section being used for changes to your schedule from the crew scheduler if you are contacted.  If you believe there is a discrepancy, report it to your Local Council for follow up.  The Contract Education page of our website contains a number of articles on

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA.  A democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Friday, April 19, 2013 and this is Council 9 Volunteer, Allen Ward reporting.

No Knives – April 24

The Coalition of Flight Attendants has scheduled a leafleting at Washington National Airport on April 24, 2013 from 1200-1600 at the north end of the ticket level of concourse C and Flight Attendants please wear your uniform.  

Knives WILL be allowed in our aircraft cabin on April 25, 2013 if we don't fight back now. TSA Administrator Pistole has said the only way he will back down is if Congress makes him.

We need to continue to flood Congressional offices with calls right now and every day until we achieve a law that ensures No Knives, Ever Again!

Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative.

Your phone call will be answered by a member of the Representative's staff who will note your request. They may ask for the name of your hometown, your zip code or your mailing address to verify you are a constituent.  See our website for a suggested script for the call.

Partnership Program #9 Now Open

Flight Attendants who wish to participate in the 3-month Partnership Program #9, should bid prior to the close of bids on April 25 at 5:00 PM central time.   Partnership Program #9 covers the period of June 1, 2013 through August 30, 2013 and awards are based on domicile need and cost effectiveness of the program in the aggregate.  For more information please visit our website. 

FAOM Revision #06

Revision #6, which has an effective date of May 1, 2013, is available in your domicile.  This revision contains updates that will allow you to remove Bulletins 5, 6 and 7, so please provide yourself ample time to review and insert it into your FAOM.

MEC Spring Regular Schedule Meeting

The United Master Executive Council (MEC) will convene the spring regular scheduled meeting in Chicago on Tuesday, April 30 through Thursday, May 2, 2013 at the Hyatt Rosemont Hotel.  The full agenda for the meeting is posted in the MEC section ofwww.unitedafa.org.

If you are unable to attend a Local meeting, we encourage you to contact your Local Councilto discuss issues directly with your local elected representatives.

Mexico Prohibited Items List for Crewmembers

Mexican government has recently imposed new restrictions on items in which Crewmembers may have in our carry-ons, while undergoing screening at security checkpoints in Mexico cities.  MEC Safety, Health and Security Committee have received reports of Flight Attendants experiencing difficulties in MEX, GDL and CUN, and in some cases these Flight Attendants are being asked to pay fines or import duties for these items.

We strongly suggest to review the items prohibited list for Mexico on our website. If you encounter difficulties contact your Local Council and report the issue.

FAA Says to Expect Major Flight Delays Next Week

Federal Transportation Officials have stated that beginning next week the country's busiest airports could experience several-hour delays due to federal spending cuts forcing furloughs of air-traffic controllers. 

It is expected that the worst delays could be 210 minutes late.  The Federal Aviation Administration has stated they are not going to sacrifice safety during this time and would try to prevent planes from stacking up during busy times by grounding planes at their originating airports or order them to take circuitous routes. 

Our Contract includes reassignment parameters to allow the airline to respond to operational irregularities while ensuring certain pay and schedule protections for Flight Attendants. We suggest that you carry your Contract and keep it close at hand. 

Senators Push FAA to Allow More Electronics on Planes

On Tuesday, several Senators urged the Federal Aviation Administration Officials to rethink the ban on electronic devices before take off and landing on all commercial aircraft. 

Senator Claire McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri, stated in a recent USA Today article that she feels very strongly that this is an example of a rule that needs to go away.  FAA Administrator Michael Huerta explained in the same article, that the FAA has an advisory committee studying whether to allow electronics and they are expected to make a recommendation in July.

That's all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, and welcome to Dear AFA, a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Tuesday, April 16, 2013 and this is Peter Langendorff, MEC Communications Committee Vice-Chairperson, reporting.

Terrorist Attack In Boston

On Monday, two bombs were detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon  in Boston, MA.  Three people were killed and over 170 were injured, some critically.  As First Responders ourselves, such acts of terrorism affect us in a unique way.  We are reminded of the critical role we play in aviation security.  Remain vigilant and maintain situational awareness, both onboard the aircraft and while on layovers.

We know that our Boston-based Flying Partners may find this tragedy particularly personal, and any of us may have difficulty working through the stress and emotions such disturbing acts can cause.   All of us should take care of ourselves and each other, and reach out to your local EAP if additional support is needed.  The phone number for the AFA EAP International Help Line is 1.800.424.2406.

FAA Orders Inspection Of "Next-Gen" 737s

This week, the FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for all "Next-Gen" Boeing 737 airplanes, which include the -600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER models. The AD requires that each aircraft be inspected for a faulty pin in the horizontal stabilizer.

The vast majority of subsidiary Continental 737s will have this inspection.  At subsidiary United, we will  take delivery of 50 737-900s later this year.  These 737s will replace the less fuel efficient 757s we are selling to FedEx or otherwise retiring.

Keep Knives Off Planes

We have to make sure knives are not allowed back on our planes. At great cost, we know the danger of lifting the ban on knives.  But, knives WILL be allowed in our aircraft cabin on April 25, 2013 if we don't fight back now. TSA Administrator Pistole has said the only way he will back down is if Congress makes him. We need to flood Congressional offices with calls right now and every day until we achieve a law that ensures No Knives, Ever Again! Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative.

The entire nation is watching this issue. We are leading the national debate. Let's show everyone that Flight Attendants will not back down. This will have lasting implications for every issue we face.  The time is now to exercise the strength we have by taking action together.

Partnership 9

The current bid for Partnership Number 9 is open and will close on April 24. 2013 at 8:00 AM Central Time.  This Partnership Flying opportunity will commence on June 1, 2013 and conclude on August 30, 2013.  If you wish to participate, be sure your bid is on file by the close date.  Please visit http://www.unitedafa.org for a useful "Q&A" guide. 

CEO Jeff Smisek's Involuntary Paycut

It was a "lean" year for United CEO Jeff Smisek, who saw his compensation decline 41%- from $13.4 million to $7.9 million.  Although his base pay of $975,000 was unchanged, his other compensation fell to $6.6 million from $11.9 million.

Not so coincidentally, United was ranked dead last, beaten out even by our Express affiliates, at number 14 out of 14 in the highly respected Airline Quality Rating.  Jeff's merger remains significantly behind schedule, with only the pilots achieving a merged contract. While at the same time, United posted a loss of  $723 million for 2012.  One can't help but wonder for how much longer the shareholders and United Board of Directors will continue to ignore the stark disconnect between our CEO's performance and pay. 

United's performance was lackluster under Jeff's leadership, much like many of his failed promises to shareholders about our progress in United's merger.

American Airlines' Outage

Early Tuesday, American Airlines experienced a nationwide failure of their reservation system resulting in a complete ground delay of American's operaton until 5:00PM Eastern Time.  Those of us who commute and rely upon American should consider making back-up travel arrangements until their system is restored.

That's all for this evening.  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline, One Contract, Building Our Future Together.

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA.  A democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants.  Today is Friday, April 12, 2013 and this is Council 9 Volunteer, Allen Ward reporting.

No Knives – Call Congress

Yesterday the House Transportation Security Subcommittee held a hearing on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) risk based security, which was meant to focus on  "stakeholder's perspective." However, the majority members of the committee failed to include the Flight Attendant experience on the testimony panel. Nevertheless, in addition to AFA submitting written testimony, Flight Attendants attended in uniform to help keep the focus on the reckless policy change, which would allow knives back in the aircraft cabin.

We must make sure knives are not allowed back on our planes. At great cost, we know the danger of lifting the ban on knives.

But, knives WILL be allowed in our aircraft cabin on April 25, 2013 if we don't fight back now. TSA Administrator Pistole has said the only way he will back down is if Congress makes him.

We need to flood Congressional offices with calls right now and every day until we achieve a law that ensures No Knives, Ever Again!

Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative.

Your phone call will be answered by a member of the Representative's staff who will note your request. They may ask for the name of your hometown, your zip code or your mailing address to verify you are a constituent.  See our website for a suggested script for the call.

The entire nation is watching this issue. We are leading the national debate. Let's show everyone that Flight Attendants will not back down. This will have lasting implications for every issue we face.  The time is now to exercise the strength we have by taking action together.

Hotel Transportation Self-help Provision

Under our Contract, Section 6.C.4.c. requires layover hotel-operated transportation to leave within 35 minutes after block arrival. It also states that if transportation is contracted independently ("public limousine service" – in other words, not the hotel van), it must leave within 45 minutes after block arrival.

Self-help is not only allowable per our Collective Bargaining Agreement; it is strongly recommended you seek self-help to ensure adequate rest. When the wait time for company provided transportation exceeds these time limits, use the Self-help provisions of our Contract and take a cab to the place of lodging. Submit the expense on a regular company expense report for reimbursement.  If you are not reimbursed promptly, file a Local Council Worksheet and call your Local Council Office for assistance.

Partnership Program #9 Now Open

Flight Attendants who wish to participate in the 3-month Partnership Program #9, should bid prior to the close of bids on April 25 at 5:00 PM central time.   Partnership Program #9 covers the period of June 1, 2013 through August 30, 2013 and awards are based on domicile need and cost effectiveness of the program in the aggregate.  For more information please visit our website. 

Judge Says No To AA CEO Payout

The bankruptcy judge overseeing the American Airlines case did not allow an almost $20 million severance package to outgoing CEO Horton.  The decision on Thursday isn't likely to affect the approval of the AMR merger with US Airways, but the judge said the payment "ran afoul" of a section of the bankruptcy code passed in 2005, meant to reign in excessive payments to executives of bankrupt firms.

The judge's decision will force the Unsecured Creditors Committee and other involved parties to revisit a more appropriate compensation severance for CEO Horton who will step down and become the non-executive Chairman of the merged companies.

Airline Quality Rating 2013 Report

This year's (2012) Airline Quality Rating (AQR) report, by researches at Purdue University and Wichita State University shows very few changes from 2011. This study now entering its 23rd year, shows that the quality of service provided by U.S. airlines remained near an all time high, while passenger complaints escalated by 22 percent.

The report considers customer complaints, as well as on-time performance, denied boarding, and baggage problems.  Complaints are up, way up, but for most on-time performance also improved.  81.8 percent of flights were on time in 2012 compared to 80 percent the year before for the U.S. industry.

There were fewer mishandled bags in 2012, 3.07 per 1,000 passengers compared to 3.35 in 2011; but more involuntary denied boardings, 0.97 per 10,000 passengers compared to 0.789 in 2011.

So where did United Airlines rank out of 14? Not for lack of effort on our part, dead last, slipping from last year's dubious rank of 12 down to 14.  In the media today, United management has spun this as not being the full picture and says they're working hard to improve customer relations and performance.  The media, however, is full of storiesrecently of United management's continuing problems with both passengers and employees. 

Here is the full ranking list from the AQR of the airlines:
1. Virgin America
2. JetBlue
3. Air Tran
4. Delta
5. Hawaiian
6. Alaska
7. Frontier
8. Southwest
9. US Airways
10. American
11. American Eagle
12. SkyWest
13. ExpressJet
14. United

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

On April 1, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a new strain of avian influenza, H7N9 viruses in China.  According to the WHO, no human-to-human transmission has been identified at this time, and the cases do not have a known epidemiological link to one another. Chinese health authorities have begun an ongoing investigation to determine the source of infection and detect any additional cases.

At this time there are no known risks for Flight Attendants flying to China.  Our MEC Safety, Health and Security Committee is following this situation closely.  We will provide updated information as it becomes available. 

Turkish Airline Faces Strike

Union employees, represented by Hava-Is Union at Turkish Airlines may strike on May 23rd if their issues regarding pay and working hours are not adequately addressed.  The Union reports that 212 orders for aircraft in a four week period illustrate the airline has the financial means to get serious about bargaining.

Hava-Is is advocating for a 12 percent pay increase compared to the two - three percent increases the company proposed.  They are also pursuing reinstatement of 305 furloughed workers and language that protects work hours will not be negatively impacted.

Hava-Is workers, along with the other airline employees at Turkish Airlines, are seeking improvements as the carrier expands their fleet and increases passenger revenue as part of a larger plan to create a hub in Istanbul.  Mandatory hours worked are of principal concern, as the number of planes and passengers has almost tripled in the past decade, while the number of the employees has remained relatively unchanged.  More work, often being forced to work excessive hours, for the same pay is unacceptable.  The strike can happen anytime between now and May 23 unless an Agreement is reached.

That's all for this evening!  Thank you for calling.  Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA. A democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. Today is Tuesday, April 9, 2013 and this is Council 11 Representative Matt Materne reporting.

No Knives – Keep up the Pressure

We have to make sure knives are not allowed back on our planes. At great cost and personal peril, we know the danger of lifting the ban on knives in the aircraft cabin.

But, knives will be allowed in our aircraft cabin on April 25, 2013 if we don’t fight back now. TSA Administrator Pistole has said the only way he will back down is if Congress makes him. We need to flood Congressional offices with calls right now and every day until we achieve a law that ensures No Knives, Ever Again! Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative. A script you may use is available on our website with other details.

Cintas Uniform Alteration Vouchers  

We have heard reports that some Flight Attendants in the state of Washington were being charged additional amounts for alterations to properly fit the new uniform when using an approved company alteration facility. The Cintas Voucher should cover the entire cost of the alterations necessary to properly fit the uniform. Remember, it is the company’s Contractual obligation to cover these alterations. Any Flight Attendant who has incurred an out of pocket cost to properly fit the new uniform, to company standard when using an approved alteration facility, should submit a regular expense report to the company for reimbursement.

Industry News: UA Advances 787 Return Date & DL – VS Antitrust Immunity

The media reported today that United has moved up projection of returning the 787 to service beginning May 31, as well as their intention to move forward on the June 10 787 DEN-NRT service and other markets. This is about a week earlier than originally planned.  Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still pending, but expected soon.

Also in the news, Delta and Virgin Atlantic airways filed an application Monday with the Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking antitrust immunity for a joint venture on flights between North America and the United Kingdom. If approved the two airlines would operate a total of 31 peak-day round trip flights between the U.K. and North America, 23 of which would operate at London-Heathrow airport.

Negotiations Update

The Master Executive Councils (MEC) for Continental, Continental Micronesia and United Airlines held special meetings last week for the purpose of reviewing the proposed Contract language for the following 11 subjects: AMC (Air Military Command - formerly MAC), CRAF (Civil Reserve Air Fleet), Co-Terminals, Onboard Crew Rest, Alcohol and Drug Testing, Duty Free, Jury Duty / Court Witness, Leaves of Absence, Pass Travel, Safety and Seniority (New Hire, Probationary Terms, Supervisors, etc.)

If you want to get caught up on our negotiations progress, the Joint Negotiating Committee published an update on the OurUnited newsletter, this past Friday; and another update will follow this coming Friday reporting on the direct negotiations session taking place in Orlando this week. To sign up for this newsletter, visit the OurUnited website.

Yesterday, we published our bi-weekly Flight Attendant Negotiations Network (FANN) newsletter with information and perspective on our negotiations, Contract Education and other news. Sign up for the FANN to receive these updates.

Contract Education: Irregular Operations

We have added a new Contract Education article to our website which speaks to Irregular Operations and builds on the Order of Assignment Contract Education information (Order of Assignment) we published two weeks ago.

When irregular operations prevent a Flight Attendant from working her/his assigned flight, our Contract provides for the steps to be taken to cover the open flight. Sections 9.K. and 12.R. address specific situations based on the operation, domestic or international, as well as where (the location) the irregularity is occurring.

Pass Travel Update for Retirees – Early Out

On April 5, United made changes to their pass travel program for retirees, early-out participants and their eligible pass riders. These pass riders will now be cleared for flights in order of their “board dates,” which are calculated by subtracting length of service from the travel date. This changes replaces the previous process which was based on completed years of service or current year for those on early-out status.

Those affected by this change who have itineraries should cancel those plans and create new itineraries to utilize the new calculation in traveling, using the date to which they are entitled for this earned travel benefit.. Additional information is available on United’s intranet.

That’s all for this evening! Thank you for calling. Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA. A democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. Today is Friday, April 5, 2013 and this is Council 9 Volunteer, Allen Ward reporting.

No Knives – Call Congress

Knives back on planes? We all hear the plea for keeping shoes on and shampoo in the carry-on, but who ever asked for knives? This week we got our answer. The knife lobby, representing a group of knife manufacturers, gloated that their efforts to lobby the TSA for years finally "paid" off and they were successful in getting the TSA to change the policy.

They even posted a picture from September 2012 where they were entering the TSA Headquarters near our country's Capitol to speak with directly with TSA. They further gloat about the call from TSA to inform them of the policy change before it was announced publicly. Now they are on Capitol Hill fighting us. So the TSA policy change is not about aviation security and it's certainly not about the safety of crewmembers or the traveling public – it's about corporate interests and their paid lobbyists.

We have to make sure knives are not allowed back on our planes. At great cost, we know the danger of lifting the ban on knives.

But, knives WILL be allowed in our aircraft cabin on April 25, 2013 if we don't fight back now. TSA Administrator Pistole has said the only way he will back down is if Congress makes him.

We need to flood Congressional offices with calls right now and every day until we achieve a law that ensures No Knives, Ever Again!

Dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you with your Representative.

When you call state:

"My name is _______ and I'm a Flight Attendant and constituent. I oppose the TSA plan to allow knives in the aircraft cabin. I would like my (Representative/Senator) to support bipartisan legislation to keep knives out of the aircraft cabin. Transportation security does not stop at the cockpit door. Flight Attendants and passengers are not acceptable casualties in aviation security. Our country owes it to those we lost on 9/11 and all of us on the frontlines of aviation today – no knives, ever again. Thank you."??

Your phone call will be answered by a member of the Representative's staff who will note your request. They may ask for the name of your hometown, your zip code or your mailing address to verify you are a constituent.

The entire nation is watching this issue. We are leading the national debate. Let's show everyone that Flight Attendants will not back down. This will have lasting implications for every issue we face. The time is now to exercise the strength we have by taking action together.

Special Leave May Impact Benefits and Seniority

United is offering a special leaves and career transition program. Details of their program are available on the employee services area of SkyNet.

Should you choose to bid for this leave it is important to carefully review the company's Special Leave of Absence information, particularly as it pertains to insurance, pass travel, vacation and sick leave accrual. Special leave status will affect each of these benefits and could also affect seniority accrual if on special leave status for more than 180 days in a 12 month period, as outlined in Section 23.B. of the Contract.

Flight Attendants awarded special leaves totaling 180 days or more within a 12 month period will not accrue seniority for each of the days in excess of 180 days on special leave status. Make an informed choice and consider the benefits and consequences of this and all special leaves.

12 Day-Plus Reserve Day Off Lines for May

As provided in Section 10.D.1.a.(2) provides the company, at their discretion, may build reserve lines with up to sixteen (16) calendar days off in a month, subject to a proportionate reduction in guarantee.

The company is building lines with up to 16 days off in the following domiciles: BOS, DEN, HNL, HKG, LAS, LAX, LHR, NRT, ORD and SEA. A Detailed list of which domiciles have which Reserve day off patterns is available on our website. [link]

If you did not bid for, and were awarded one of these lines Section 10.D.1.a.(4). states - No later than three (3) days prior to the schedule change (first day of the new month) – a Reserve who did not bid for but was assigned a line with the number of days exceeding the monthly applicable minimum number of days off (12), at her/his option, may contact Crew Scheduling to be assigned additional days of availability and have her/his reserve minimum guarantee adjusted (back to 78 hours).

Not bidding means you may not include the reserve line number on your bid card and this would include a reserve block bid. For example, if you bid 1401-1427 and are awarded line 1427 (a 15 day off line) you are not entitled to restoration of days off or the reserve minimum guarantee of 78 hours. The days that will be restored are indicated in the monthly reserve line lines with a "Z".

Partnership Program #9 Now Open

AFA and United have agreed to offer a new Partnership Program for a 3-month period, based on domicile need and cost effectiveness of the program in the aggregate. A new bid of partnerships will commence on April 3, for the period of June 1, 2013 through August 30, 2013.

The Partnership Flying Program was negotiated by AFA in an effort to further reduce the need for involuntary furloughs. In our recent past, many of our flying partners have taken advantage of the flexibility of the program find it a valuable benefit for a valuable schedule option.

You must find a partner with whom you will bid in order to participate in the program. 
• If you are looking for a partner, you may use the POSTRD option in Unimatic..
• And likewise if you are looking for a partner, you may search via TRDBRD.

Please also note that in a 30-day schedule month, the distribution of 4 Reserve blocks may result in one partner having two (2) blocks of Reserve days on, totaling 7 days (Section G.2. of the Letter).

Important Dates:

That's all for this evening! Thank you for calling. Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA. A democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. Today is Tuesday, April 2, 2013 and this is Council 21 Member and MEC Reserve Vice-Chairperson, Wayne Talaski reporting.

April 1 - No Joke: Keep Knives Off Planes

On April 1, the Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing 90,000 Flight Attendants, raised awareness at airports around the country about our NoKnivesOnPlanes campaign. We leafleted and held rallies at IAD, DEN, SEA, ORD and LAX, and our efforts continue this week at BOS, LGA, ORD, PHL and SFO – details are available on our website. There just a few days left to reach the number of signatures required on our petition to the White House at www.NoKnivesOnPlanes.com.

If you have put off signing the petition, we encourage you to take a few moments to do so today, timing is important. If you are unsure about signing the petition or what is at stake, consider this:

In Congressional testimony two weeks ago, TSA administrator Pistole said, “A small pocketknife is simply not going to result in the catastrophic failure of an aircraft.” That’s fine for the aircraft, but what about the threat of injury to, or the death of a Flight Attendant? Is this acceptable? Of course not.

A pocket-knife may not be a direct threat to a reinforced cockpit door, but they do remain a very real danger to Flight Attendants and passengers in an aircraft cabin when in the hands of an angry, intoxicated or frightened person.

And consider that post September 11th; we may on occasion rely on the assistance of passengers coming to the defense of the aircraft during times of duress. How does adding a bladed or blunt weapon to an assailant complicate the equation for those who would offer to assist us? Is there any acceptable answer to these questions besides the conclusion that these items have no place on our aircraft? Part of our daily routine involves the responsibility to defuse potentially volatile situations, and when necessary, enlist assistance from others. Allowing a knife into any scenario makes us less safe; plain and simple.

This is an important and serious issue and we need 100,000 signatures by April 4th. If every Flight Attendant will sign the petition, we will reach the minimum immediately. Let’s do that today. If every Flight Attendant also got 10 additional signatures from family and friends, we would have over 1 million signatures. The deadline is this Thursday; it is imperative that we take action now to protect ourselves.

AFA-CWA Scholarship Deadline – April 10

The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of United Flight Attendants who will be attending a college or university. The purpose is to further the education of promising young men and women who are dependents of AFA-CWA Members in good standing who otherwise would not have the opportunity for higher education.

To qualify, you must be a dependent of an active AFA-CWA Member in good standing who is seeking to further her/his education at an accredited college or university. Recipients will receive the cost of tuition, room, board and reasonable book expense, up to a maximum of $5,000 for one year. Any recipient may reapply for this scholarship each year until graduation, up to a maximum of four years.

Applications, available on our website, must be received by April 10, 2013 and we've made the document available from our website. Additional scholarships are also available from AFA-CWA.

Industry News: Airlines Disclose Costs

In U.S. Aviation industry news yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court turned down an airline-industry challenge to federal requirements that carriers must display the total cost of a ticket more prominently than the pretax price on web pages and in advertisements.

The Court left intact Transportation Department rules that were put in place last year to reduce consumer confusion about ticket charges. The airlines unsuccessfully argued that the rules violate speech rights. Also allowed to continue are the requirements that airlines either allow penalty-free cancellation of reservations for 24-hours or let passengers hold seats for a day without payment.

JNC Presents Proposals to MEC’s This Week

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will meet in closed session with all three of the Master Executive Councils (MEC) this Thursday and Friday to present their next set of proposals. The JNC presented their initial set of 15 proposals, covering a total of 15 subjects, on November 14, 2012.

The combined MECs will review additional subject proposals for our JNC to negotiate on in upcoming direct negotiations sessions. A more detailed update will be provided in this Friday’s OurUnited Newsletter.

New Uniform Alteration

The transition to our new uniform is approaching, and while a specific date has yet to be set by the company, we should take the necessary steps to be prepared. Our Contract states that the company shall bear the cost of all alterations resulting from a company required style change in the uniform. The Cintas vouchers should be sufficient to cover any costs associated with your uniform being altered to fit properly, and you should use an authorized tailor for the alterations.

That’s all for this evening! Thank you for calling. Remember: One Airline. One Contract. Building Our Future Together!