- The Implementation Stage
- Accessing
The Hub
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AFA Local Numbers
Dear Members,
The MEC has been inundated with many phone calls from the Flight Attendants regarding certain provisions in the newly ratified agreement. Some of the questions we can answer, some of the questions we can not. We realize that this is a very frustrating time and creates undo anxiety for everyone.
The "Implementation Committee" (which is the negotiating committee), has now been deployed to discuss with the company the development and process of many of these provisions. For instance, the company and the committee are looking for vendors that can process the "electronic trade board" that is able to interface with CATCREW. There is development and process that must be programmed, and then the program must be
tested... much the same as SAP did in its early stages of development. The options will not be eliminated until the "electronic trade board" (ETB)
is ready and tested. Another example is the "5-hour window" reserve LTO system. This, too, needs to be programmed and tested, and at the same time, have a screen that will be readily available for the reserves to view.
The VFLR (voluntary furlough/limited recall) has not been initiated yet. There is much to go into that process as well. In order to know how many furloughs are needed, some if not much, of the other provisions must be in place. All active
Flight Attendants as of December 1, 2004 are eligible, however, not all will be able to collect unemployment if it is "over subscribed". Again, no timeline set, however, it won't be too long before this is known.
Global vacation needs to be redone, and the ITD fence needs to come down which is "targeted" for May. How that will effect the vacation matrix is another issue that must be well thought out.
The company can no longer "shoot from the hip", and just wing implementation. That will only continue to create more anger and anxiety with the rank and file.
Please take the time to read the MEC E-lines and pass this information around to your colleagues who do not readily have access to a computer. There are provisions that the company has already implemented such as new "sick provision of 30% penalty" as of January 1, 2005, and new pay cut rates implemented as of January 10, 2005. As you are aware, January vacation will be paid at the daily rate of the old contract including the scheduled "snap back" of :30. However, commencing on January 31, 2005, the NEW contract vacation rates will go into effect.
The "Saturday/Sunday" touch for line holders will go into effect 3/1/05, however, there may be some restrictions over "Super bowl" weekend if coverage is tight on February 5 and 6.
For those Flight Attendants who bid a block that is 80-90-95, you may still drop a trip to your option. For example, if you have bid, and were awarded a line for February that is 85:59, and are on non-option, you are permitted to drop a trip, just as the 75, and 55 hour flyers. This is the same as the current world, but will change once the ETB is up and running and the options are gone in the new world.
Everything is the same as the old agreement, except those changes and effective dates reported to you on the HUB and by MEC-Eline.
Please make every effort to stay informed, and call your supervisor, union representative at your respective bases for any specific questions you may have. They are readily available to give you the information you seek if it is "known".
For those Flight Attendants who were active as of December 1, 2004, are at least 55 years old, or turning 55 in 2005, have at least 20 years of service, and are thinking of retiring this year and want to take advantage of the "early retirement incentive", you have until March 1, 2005 to fill out the application to participate. Your date of retirement can be any date in 2005 up to December 31, 2005. If you have specific retirement questions, you can contact your LECP or AFA International, Mary Lou Savage at 1-800-424-2401 ext 171. There is also information on the MEC Website
www.afausairways.org, or you can call the PBGC at1-800-877-8339, or
www.pbgc.gov.
Keep in mind, that many of the provisions will take some time to implement. The "Implementation Committee" is very focused and working with the company 3-4 days per week to write the language and get a "hard copy" of the contract ready for distribution in 60 days.
Thank you for your continued patience during this process.
Teddy
MEC President, AFA-CWA
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