Ladies and Gentlemen:
As you’ve likely heard by now, United has made the decision to close the Seattle satellite base. We stand with the 140 Flight Attendants who are now subject to disruption as a result of this closure. While we all knew the satellite base experiment was a new concept and needed to withstand the test of time, it is nevertheless a heartbreaking blow to see the closure come just prior to the one year anniversary of the base.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from us already, and this closure is just another painful step along the path we are required to follow towards the recovery of the industry. Like so many other situations this past year, we couldn’t have predicted this future, but we are called upon to find our way through it.
Our initial discussions with management to explore alternatives to closure of the base have not proven fruitful in developing them. Management is steadfast in their view that the metrics used to evaluate the success of the satellite base, in fact all satellite bases, driven as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic changes in costs and increased expenses, have led them to the conclusion that closure of the satellite base at SEA is the only alternative.
It is important to remember, under the Satellite Base Letter of Agreement #24, in the event of a Reduction in Force from a satellite base, Flight Attendants based there shall have preference over any voluntary transfers then on file to return to the geographic base from which they originally transferred.
To our sisters and brothers in SEA, while we may not feel the impact of the closure as profoundly as you do, we are with you during these troubling days. This is just the latest example of why we must always stand together as a family to support one another during times of adversity.
Your Local Council 12 Leadership representing Flight Attendants at LAX-SAN-SEA stands proud and is ready to help guide you through the next steps. We encourage you to reach out to them with any questions you may have, or to let us know of anything we can assist you with during this difficult time.
In Solidarity,
Ken Diaz, President
United Master Executive Council