• October "Low Lines"
• Retroactive Pay Reduction Method
• Message from AFA Midwest Express, CHAOS Strike Strike Deadline: August 30

October "Low Lines"

"Low Lines" exist for some equipment for the October bid month. When bidding low lines, be aware that the Company will only pay protect up to the minimum guarantee on your option (Temporary Relief in the new agreement). For those flight attendants who are on 'high options' and are concerned about getting all their time in, consider not bidding these lines as the Company will not pay up to your minimum guarantee PLUS any time you fly ON TOP OF THAT (there is no 'wind fall'). 

You are only responsible to fly the time that is in that line, (Example: If the line is worth 50 hours, you only need to fly a minimum of 50 hours. However, if financially you need to get the hours allowed by your option and are worried about finding the flying time, then consider not bidding those low lines.

Management has assured us that those f/as who are unable to get their time in, will not be disciplined for low block time - if you get awarded these lines and can not get to your option.
 
 

Here is the method by which the Company will recoup the retroactive pay due as a result of the Restructuring Agreement.

The new (reduced) pay rates went into effect retroactive to July 1.  Prior to ratification, flight attendants had received only their July advance, not their full July pay.  The July advance was 35.5 hours paid at the old (unreduced rate).  The retroactive amount is the difference between 35.5 hours at the old rate and 35.5 hours at the new rate. For a top-of-scale flight attendant, that difference is:

35.5 hours x $43.22 = $1559.52 
35.5 hours x $40.24 = $1428.52

Retro Amount = $131.00

For the August 15 check, the Payroll Department multiplied the total July hours by the new rate, and subtracted the dollars paid in the July advance.  The August 15 check is for the difference between the total pay and the advance.  For a flight attendant who earned 85 hours for July, the paycheck would be calculated as follows:

85 hours x 40.24 = $3420.40 
Minus July adv. =   1559.52
August 15 Total =  $1860.88

Because the August 15 check takes into account all hours paid at the new rate, it effectively eats up all of the retroactive pay, leaving nothing due to the flight attendant.  In order to spread the advance overpayment or "retroactive amount" over six pay periods, Payroll had to add some of it back in; this should have been 5/6ths of it, so that  the remaining 5/6ths could be taken back over the next five paychecks, as follows:

08/30 $21.83
09/15 $21.83
09/30 $21.83
10/15 $21.84
10/30 $21.84

However, the Company took out 4/6ths instead, which was 1/6th too much.  For a top-of-scale flight attendant, who owed $131.00 in retroactive pay, that meant we added back $87.33 instead of $109.17.  In order to get back on schedule, Payroll will not take any deduction for the August 30 check, and will take out the remaining 4/6 beginning with the September 15 paycheck.

This explanation will also appear to the flight attendant group via CBS.
 
 

Message from AFA Midwest Express, CHAOS Strike Strike Deadline: August 30

Message from AFA Midwest Express President Toni Phillips
CHAOS Strike Strike Deadline: August 30

Dear Fellow AFA Members,

As you are all aware by now the Midwest Express flight attendants are facing a strike deadline at 12:01 a.m. August 30. Even in the face of management threats, the members are standing firm in their pursuit of a first, legally binding agreement. In these final days we are asking for the support and solidarity of all our AFA sisters and brothers to help us achieve our goal.

I am enclosing a calendar of events for you to share with your fellow officers and members in the hopes that you will be able to participate. In particular, if you have any members who reside in the Kansas City area we would like them to join us for a picket and leaflet at the airport on August 23. Additionally, we invite everyone to attend our Milwaukee rallies on August 26 and 27 and the candlelight vigil on August 29 to show our members we're not alone in this important battle.

Some other ways you might assist us are:

Write resolutions of support for the Midwest Express flight attendants and forward them to Midwest Express CEO, Tim Hoeksema at FAX number: 414-570-0080. (Please also fax a copy to the Midwest Express AFA CHAOS Command Center at: 414-744-8187.)

Secure housing and buddy passes for our members participating in *CHAOS* actions.

Midwest Express System Cities: 
MKE (hub) BOS LGA EWR PHL DCA IAD ATL MCO FLL TPA RSW MSY DFW SAT MCI ATW MSM DSM OMA DEN LAS PHX LAX SFO

Finally, a strike fund has been established for the Midwest Express flight attendants. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact James Perry in the Accounting Dept. at the AFA International Dept.(1-800-424-2401 ext #813).

On behalf of all the Midwest Express flight attendants, I would like to thank you for all your support and participation.
 

In Solidarity,

Toni Phillips, 
MEC President 
AFA 44/ MEA
 

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