1. May I bid for this Voluntary Furlough if I'm currently on Voluntary Furlough status?
Yes. If you are currently on Voluntary Furlough and wish to remain on furlough, you must bid to be eligible to be awarded the furlough.
2. If I am a Flight Attendant on Voluntary Furlough, will I be able to return prior to the expiration of the furlough period?
A Flight Attendant on Voluntary Furlough will only be allowed to return prior to the expiration of the Voluntary Furlough period for personal reasons due to hardship, with the approval of the company.
3. If I am awarded the Voluntary Furlough, am I subjecting myself to surplus to a domicile other than the one from which I accepted the Voluntary Furlough?
Section 21.A.3.e. of the AFA Agreement provides you with the Contractual right to be returned to the domicile from which you were Voluntarily Furloughed. The only exceptions to this preferential right would be if the domicile was closed or if a surplus has been declared in the domicile and your seniority status is affected by the surplus action.
4. Will United contest unemployment for Voluntary Furloughs?
No. Check with your local unemployment office for your specific unemployment benefits. http://www.doleta.gov
5. May I bid for the Voluntary Furlough if I am on Sick Leave status?
If you are on Sick Leave status, you are eligible to bid for and be awarded the Voluntary Furlough provided you come off Sick Leave (OFSL) status prior to the effective date of the Furlough. Flight Attendants on Sick Leave on March 1, 2013 will not be placed on Voluntary Furlough status.
6. May I bid for the Voluntary Furlough if I am on Medical Leave status?
If you are on any type of Medical Leave status on the date bids close for Voluntary Furlough, you are eligible to bid for and be awarded the Voluntary Furlough provided medical clearance with a return to work date prior to March 2, 2013 is received and approved by company Medical no later than 1700 CST on December 13, 2012.
7. May I bid for the Voluntary Furlough if I am on Extended Illness status?
If you are on Extended Illness status (being paid from your Sick Leave bank), you are eligible to bid for and be awarded the Voluntary Furlough provided medical clearance with a return to work date prior to March 2, 2013 is received and approved by company Medical by 1700 CST on December 13, 2012.
8. May I bid for the Voluntary Furlough if I am on Occupational Leave?
Your doctor must provide written documentation that must be received and approved by company Medical no later than 1700 Central Time on Thursday, December 13, 2012. The documentation must state that you will be cleared to fly before March 2, 2013 in order to be eligible to be awarded the Voluntary Furlough.
9. May I bid for the Voluntary Furlough if I am on Maternity Leave?
Flight Attendants on Medical Leave of Absence Due to Pregnancy, under Section 23.D. of our Contract, must gain medical clearance with a return to work date not later than March 2, 2013. The medical clearance must be received and approved by company medical by the close of the voluntary bid, December 13, 2012 (1700 Central Time).
10. May I bid for the Voluntary Furlough if I am on FMLA?
If you have an intermittent Family Medical Leave status, you are eligible to bid for the Voluntary Furlough. You must come off Sick Leave (OFSL) before March 2, 2013 in order to be placed on Voluntary Furlough status.
If you are on continuous Family Medical Leave you are eligible to bid and will be awarded the Voluntary Furlough provided medical clearance with a return to work date prior to March 2, 2013 is received and approved by company Medical by 1700 Central Time on December 13, 2012.
11. Do I pay Union dues while on Voluntary Furlough?
The AFA Constitution and Bylaws requires that all Flight Attendants pay dues for the first 3 months of any Leave status, including Voluntary Furlough. Flight Attendants should contact their Local AFA Council with any questions about payment methods. If you would like to pay your dues beyond the required first three months to remain an active Member to vote, ("Leave & Remain Active") please contact the AFA International Office Membership Department at 1-800-424-2401, ext. 708 to receive the form to have monthly deductions taken from your checking account. You will also need to ask the Membership Department where you should fax or send a written and signed statement saying that you would like to "leave and remain active."
12. Can I retire from Voluntary Furlough?
Yes.
13. Is a Flight Attendant who is awarded the Special Leave also eligible to participate in the Voluntary Furlough?
Yes. If awarded both, the Flight Attendant would be placed on Voluntary Furlough on the effective date. The Flight Attendant would be eligible for insurance coverage pursuant to the Voluntary Furlough rules from the onset of the Voluntary Furlough.
14. Can a Flight Attendant currently on Voluntary Furlough returning in March, bid for the Partnership program?
Yes.