• RECURRENT TRAINING AND CBT
• Accessing The Hub
• AFA Local Numbers

RECURRENT TRAINING AND CBT

As part of the merger the US Airways training department has decided to model our Recurrent Training after the America West Recurrent Training program. The America West program consists of one day of hands-on training and a quarterly Computer Based Training (CBT) program. America West management and AFA negotiated a side letter of agreement outlining pay and provisions for CBT. 

Unlike America West, our contract provides pay and provisions for a homes study program which consisted of a workbook with a CD-ROM or VHS component that could be completed at home. The workbook and the Flight Attendant Emergency Manual comprised the majority of the home study program. 

The decision was made to begin the shift to CBT training beginning with the May start up of the 2006-2007 Recurrent Training. Rather than using the workbook as the basis for the contractually agreed upon home study program the program will now be presented on CD-ROM only. The program itself takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete (this would be required annually). Since we have no contractual requirement to own a computer or own a computer that contains a CD-ROM drive this clearly will disadvantage some members. I know it seems hard to believe, but you would be surprised how many members I have talked to who do not own a computer or in some cases admittedly don't have the skills to use one. 

When this was first discovered by the Union the Company's initial fix was for the Flight Attendant to either go to the local library or the CLT Training Center to complete the program. Both of those options were unacceptable to the Union (field trips are not in our contract) and after further discussion the training department will now provide a paper workbook to those members who do not have home computer access or ability.

I have copied the CBS message outlining how to acquire the workbook. 

At some point in the future the Company hopes to have the CBT available on thehub and then move to the quarterly two hour CBT units America West currently uses. That will also require a computer. Before any CBT, which by definition requires a computer, is mandated negotiations and agreement to any change to our contract will have to occur. We will still be required to attend one day of hands-on training.

Furthermore if you have Recurrent Training scheduled in May and believe you will not have time to request and complete the workbook the training department will reschedule your May training date

Subject: F/A Recurrent Training 

Message from Donna Heinlein, Director - InFlight Training and Systems 

Presently, our counterparts on the West utilize computer based training to supplement their Recurrent classroom module. Our long range goal is to move toward the computer based training model once we have merged the airline. 

Beginning in May 2006, part of your required Homestudy coursework will include accessing Homestudy information from a computer. Our short range plan is for you to be able to access this portion of the Homestudy through theHub. 

Until we have thoroughly completed our testing on theHub, we have developed a CD which requires you to utilize a computer to access the content and question of the Homestudy. In order to use the CD, your computer must have a CD-ROM drive. The CD includes PowerPoint viewer which is the only software requirement. There are no other special computer system requirements. 

If you are unable to access a computer and need additional assistance, we will make alternate arrangements (paper workbook) so you can complete your required Homestudy. Please contact one of the following: 

Leslee Brewster 412-747-8763 
Victoria Johnson 704-359-6402 
Wendy Roman-Tomaino 412-747-1766 
Donna Heinlein 412-747-3871 

Or you can leave a message on the InFlight Training and Systems Hotline 1-800-327-0117 prompts 1, 5, 5 and one of us will return your call. 

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance as we move toward the future. 

Donna Heinlein 
Director, InFlight Training and Systems 

If you experience any problems acquiring the workbook or changing your training please notify your local representatives.

Thank you,

Mike Flores, President
US Airways Master Executive Council

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Accessing The Hub:

http://thehub.usairways.com 
Logging in the first time your user name is u0(zero) and your five digit employee number. Your initial password is the first five digits of your social security number. Questions about the Hub? Please contact the EDS Help Desk at 336-744-6000 for assistance. More information can also be found HERE.

AFA Local Numbers

Council 40 PIT 724-695-3329
Council 41 DCA 703-212-8090
Council 69 BOS 781-289-8454
Council 70 PHL 215-492-0840
Council 82 LGA 315-736-3483
Council 89 CLT 704-527-0325

New Hotline Number Toll Free: 866-USA-AFA2
US AIRWAYS Benefits Information 800-872-4780

Reply to Inflight: askinflight@usairways.com

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