INCREASED FLYING OBLIGATION

It has been brought to my attention that my December 5, 2004 E-Line has caused some confusion regarding my position on the increased flying obligation imposed by the Bankruptcy Court. I want to set the record straight here and now. I have copied that E-line below and will then restate my position.

The Company has increased the flying obligation by five (5) hours for December and January. This was a result of the Company’s plea to the court they may not be able to cover the flying schedule due to attrition or staffing shortages. Nothing illustrates how inept this Company and the Court are with regard to scheduling more than this.  Reserves are sitting at home getting paid guarantee while block holders are required to pick up extra time. The Court granted the Company a 21% pay cut and I see it being partially squandered by the 5 hour increase and the mess it has created. Your union leaders have made this point to the Company with no credible response. This is the perfect example of what happens when the Company turns to the Courts for solutions. As an aside, I have received numerous complaints from members regarding over flying. We are ALL suffering from the 21% pay cut therefore I ask that no one exceed their obligation. In other words we need to look out for each other during these difficult times.

FACT: Reserves ARE sitting, not flying, not breaking guarantee and thus suffering an additional financial hardship.

FACT: While ALL Flight Attendants are now required to fly the extra time the only time available is being picked up by senior Blockholders.

FACT: Junior high-option Blockholders are having a difficult time reaching their option much less meeting the new obligation.

FACT: Reserves are now flying less than ever thus increasing the cost to the Company and partially negating the savings the 21% paycut was for.

FACT: I have received reports of people over flying and asked people to stay within their obligation.

No where do I imply or state Reserves are sitting idle by choice. No where do I state this is a windfall for Blockholders or that Reserves are not being impacted. I simply stated what is happening. Do not turn this into a senior/junior Blockholder/Reserve issue. AFA opposed this from the beginning for many of the reasons I have stated here. We realized this was not good for ANYONE. Feel free to give me call if you are still bothered by my comments.

Thank you,

Mike Flores
LEC President Council 89

AFA-CWA AFL-CIO
704-527-0325 OFFICE
704-576-3174 CELL

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