• COMPANY ANNOUNCES EAST VOLUNTARY FURLOUGHS
• Accessing The Hub

• AFA Local Numbers

Dear Members,

COMPANY ANNOUNCES EAST VOLUNTARY FURLOUGHS

At this time the Company has not made any decisions regarding staffing for the first quarter of 2010.

Should you have any additional questions, please call your supervisor or your local office.

Thank you,

Mike Flores, President
The US Airways Master Executive Council
AFA-CWA

~~~~~~~

Date: June 11, 2009
To: All BOS/CLT/DCA/LGA/PHL Flight Attendants
From: Paul Kinsey, Director - InFlight Planning & Administration
Subject: Voluntary Furlough Application Process

In order to mitigate the headcount overage, we are offering voluntary furloughs (VF) as follows:

- 3 months September - November 2009 (100 VF)

Some of the highlights of the voluntary furlough are*:

- Scheduled to commence on September 5, 2009.

- Return-to-work date is December 2, 2009.

- You will be expected to bid for and fly a schedule for December 2009.

- Must be in an "active" and "available" status at the beginning of voluntary furlough. Those currently on a
VPLOA (monthly leave) are eligible to bid for these programs.

- Unlimited on-line travel privileges for employee and eligible family members, except for companion passes
and registered guests. The boarding priority will be below that of active employees (S4).

- Benefits to continue through the end of the first month of the leave. After that period, flight attendants who
are currently enrolled with US Airways benefits will be COBRA eligible.

- The Company, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, will not contest unemployment.

To elect a voluntary furlough complete the bid form that is currently available at your crew base and/or
on theHub/Wings. Bidding closes at Noon (MST), Sunday, June 21, 2009.


*Additional program details, information and a Q&A are available in your crew base and posted on theHub/Wings.

~~~~~

Fall 2009 InFlight Services Voluntary Furlough Program
EAST PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

InFlight Services is offering a voluntary furlough for flight attendants based in BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, and PHL. This voluntary furlough will last for a duration of three (3) months beginning September 5, 2009 and ending on December 1, 2009. Your return-to-work date would be December 2, 2009.

This program will be called the "Fall 2009 Voluntary Furlough." Although similar to previous voluntary furlough programs, please review the specific program details listed below.

Application forms will be available in the crew rooms and on theHub and Wings. The form must be submitted to InFlight Planning no later than Noon (MST), Sunday, June 21st, 2009. Please ensure you are using the correct form, titled;

FALL 2009 INFLIGHT SERVICES
Voluntary Furlough Program Request Form
(BOS/CLT/DCA/LGA/PHL Flight Attendants)

Here are some highlights of the "Fall 2009 Voluntary Furlough Program".

- Scheduled to commence on September 5, 2009.

- Return-to-work date is December 2, 2009.

- You will be expected to bid for and fly a schedule for December 2009.

- Must be in an "active" and "available" status at the beginning of voluntary furlough. Those currently on a VPLOA (monthly leave) are eligible to bid for these programs.

- Unlimited on-line travel privileges for employee and eligible family members. Companion pass, registered guest and SA1 travel is not permitted. The boarding priority will be below that of active employees (S4).

- Benefits to continue through the end of the first month of the leave. After that period, flight attendants who are currently enrolled with US Airways benefits will be COBRA eligible.

- Continued seniority and longevity accrual.

- May retire from the voluntary furlough status.

- No entitlement to furlough pay if awarded a voluntary furlough.

- Changes may be made during the bid period only. The most recent form received will be processed.

- Once the bid period has closed, no changes may be made.

- Participants will be awarded a pay purposes only (PPO) line for September. Lineholders will be responsible for lead out pairings and reserves will be available to scheduling for trips up to and including the 4th of September.

- The Company, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, will not contest unemployment.

~~~~~~

Fall 2009 InFlight Services Voluntary Furlough Program
East Q & A

Q: Why is the Company offering voluntary furloughs?

A: Based on the current staffing models, we find ourselves in an over-staffed situation for the time period offered.


Q: Will the furloughs be done by base?

A: No. All awards will be based on system seniority.


Q: Will I be able to extend this leave?

A: No. At this time the leaves are for the time period indicated. Should the current staffing projections change, there may be an option to extend.


Q: What about those flight attendants who are currently on furlough? Many of them are waiting to come back.

A: This is indeed an unfortunate situation as many of them are very excited about returning to work. We have successfully recalled all involuntary furloughed flight attendants. Those who remain on furlough either opted for the indefinite furlough or are on the voluntary furlough with limited recall.


Q: Why does the leave begin on the 5th of the month?

A: It was necessary to protect the schedule. Many of the lines for those taking the leaves will have lead-in trips into the following month. We want to ensure adequate coverage.

Q: Do I have to bid for the first month of the leave?

A: If you are a lineholder, you will get a pay purposes only (PPO) line and have no responsibility to fly a schedule for September. You will, however, be responsible for any trips that lead into September from August.


Q: What about reserves?

A: Reserves should plan to bid a schedule for September as they will be available to Scheduling up to and including the 4th of September. If a reserve is able to hold a line that has the first days off, they will not be obligated to fly during that month unless assigned into OFF days.


Q: Will it be necessary for me to attend recurrent training before I go out on leave?

A: You should plan to attend all necessary training prior to the commencement of your leave.


Q: My qualifications expire while I am on leave. Will I be able to attend recurrent during my regular month?

A: While you are on your furlough, you may not attend recurrent. This situation will be factored into the return process. Recurrent will be offered in early December (more than likely December 2) for those who need to requalify. Scheduling all required training will be a part of the return process. Importantly, should you have to attend recurrent in December, your base month will remain as it is and will not be adjusted to December. However, what this means is you will have to attend recurrent again in your regularly scheduled month in 2010 (unless your base month is January).


Q: I have been out before and had to fingerprint and drug test when I returned. Will this occur here?

A: The TSA only requires the Company to fingerprint and drug test anyone who has been off property for more than 180 days; therefore, this process would not apply to these three-month leaves.


Q: Will I lose any seniority as a result of taking this leave? What about longevity?

A: As you know, longevity refers to pay and step increases whereas seniority refers to bidding order. For these leaves, there will be no loss of either longevity or seniority.


Q: What about my benefits?

A: Benefits will continue for those who currently have benefits until the end of the first month of the leave only. After that time, you will be COBRA eligible if you currently have benefits with the Company.


Q: Will my flying benefits be limited during this time period?

A: No, you will have unlimited travel privileges; however, your boarding status will be behind that of active employees (SA4).


Q: Will I have companion passes?

A: Unfortunately, while on an unpaid leave, companion passes are not available.


Q: I currently have a registered guest. Will they be able to fly with me?

A: Here again, since it is an unpaid status, there will be no registered guest privileges.


Q: Am I able to use ZED fares or obtain ID90s? What about jumpseating on those airlines with reciprocal agreements?

A: These privileges are not available to someone on an unpaid leave. Use of the reciprocal cabin seat agreement is up to the policies of the other carriers.


Q: What happens to my vacation during the time of the leave?

A: Depending on the type of leave you are requesting, you will have different options. Please see the bid form for those choices available to you.


Q: If I decide to resign or retire during my leave, am I able to do so?

A: Yes, you may do either. Should you decide to resign, simply submit a letter of resignation to InFlight Planning. You would be entitled to any benefits for which you qualify. Should you decide to retire, you would need to submit a completed Retirement Notification Form at least 30 days before your intended retirement date.


Q: Once I submit my form, am I able to make changes?

A: Yes. The most recent form received will be processed. Once the bidding period closes, however, no changes will be allowed.


Q: Is it possible that I could be called back early?

A: As with any program like this, the Company does reserve the right to recall ahead of the scheduled end date should staffing levels require it. However, it is not our intent to do so.


Q: Should I choose to return early, may I do so?

A: No. Once awarded the voluntary furlough, you would not be able to shorten the duration.


Q: I am not requesting the voluntary furlough, but it concerns me that many in my base are talking about it. Is it possible that I could be displaced?

A: Unfortunately, yes. We have no way of predicting from which bases the bid requests will come. Therefore, if seniority allows leaves from one specific base over another, displacements may then become a possibility.


Q: I am currently on a personal leave of absence. I would like to take advantage of this program. May I?

A: If your personal leave is scheduled to end prior to the commencement of this leave, then you may participate. Remember, you have to be active and available at the time the leave commences.


Q: Will I be able to bid for a December line even though I am on a leave.

A: Yes. You will be placed on an over-ride list for your home-access to CATCREW, allowing you to maintain this service. If, however, you do not use the home access for a ninety-day period, your system password will have to be reset. You may also utilize a bid service. Remember, should you fail to bid for a December line, you will be assigned one. If you need access to a crewroom, you may contact your operational supervisor.


Q: Where can I obtain a bid form?

A: Bid forms are available on theHub and Wings, and at your base.


Q: Will I be able to keep my ID during this leave?

A: No. Since this is an unpaid leave, you will be required to surrender your ID. Instructions for doing so will be in your award letter.


Q: I have some questions regarding my benefits. Who should I contact?

A: You may direct any questions regarding your benefits to our Benefits department via email USAirwaysCbaBenefits@hewitt.com or call 888-860-6178.

~~~~

COBRA RATES

 

EE = Employee

SP = Spouse

CH= Child

 

 

100%  EE Only            $463.11

100% EE + Sp             $924.16

100% EE + Ch             $878.79

100% Family                $1527.87

 

90%  EE Only              $434.18

90%  EE + Sp              $868.36

90% EE + CH              $824.93

90% Family                  $1434.85

 

80%  EE Only              $372.95

80%  EE + SP              $802.19

80%  EE + Ch              $762.91

80% Family                  $1325.26

 

Dental EE  Only            $29.26

Dental EE + Sp            $56.09

Dental EE + Ch            $52.85

Dental Family               $92.68

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFA US Airways Website

www.afausairways.org

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 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

Got Questions? Get Answers

The *E-Line* is now in a new and improved format. By updating your profile at unionvoice.org you will be able to enjoy improved services in the near future! Visit your subscription management page at: http://www.unionvoice.org/

Got questions about This *E-Line* from AFA - US Airways or any other Union matter? Do NOT REPLY to the *E-Line*. PLEASE contact your local AFA officers or committee chairs directly: http://www.afausairways.org/emailaddresses2.htm

Your MEC Officers
Association of Flight Attendants
Hotline & *E-Line* - US Airways