AFA - CWA US Airways MEC E-Line - "Staying Informed"

The AFA Newsletter for US Airways Flight Attendants

    In this Issue

 

March 2, 2009

Dear Members,
  • Benefits Update
  • Accessing The Hub
  • AFA Local Numbers

PBGC

The PBGC has informed me that they are still behind in sending out the Notice OF Final Determination to the flight attendant group. I am now told they will be sending out these notices through May, 2009. Please continue to watch your mail for this information. This notice will contain the final amount of money the PBGC believes you are owed based upon the Flight Attendant Pension Program that was terminated, January 10, 2005. Should you not agree with this amount, you have 45 days to file an appeal in writing.

COBRA

The economic stimulus package has added some COBRA benefits that will affect some flight attendants.
If you have been involuntarily furloughed from US Airways you are eligible for the 65% reduction in your premium. IF you voluntarily quit, have COBRA triggered by a reduction in hours (past your 270 day) or on COBRA due to the death of a spouse you do not qualify.

Under the new regulations the employee will only have to pay 35% of the premium for 9 months beginning February 17, 2009 or the first billing cycle thereafter (for most people March 1, 2009). To qualify you have to have been involuntarily furloughed by the Company between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.

If the Company does not want to give you this benefit and you think you deserve the benefit you can appeal to the U.S. Department of Labor. (Forms are yet to be developed!)

WORKER'S COMPENSATION

1. Always complete a SER (Safety Event Report) without this report being sent to Tempe, AZ the Company cannot process your OJI. This can delay your receiving benefits.

2. Check out TheHUb In-flight Administration page for instructions for seeking medical attention where you are based. This is especially true for evenings and weekends. Remember, until you see a physician for your care, (company MD if you are based in PHL, DCA, and CLT) the clock does not start on your getting workers compensation benefits.

Paul H. Frishkorn
MEC Benefits Chairperson
PFrishkorn@afausairways.org

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

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


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