• NEW UNIFORMS AND COMPANY CONFUSION

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NEW UNIFORMS AND COMPANY CONFUSION

As you know, the new uniform rollout is scheduled for January 28, 2007. Fittings for the new uniforms are going to begin on October 8th. Dates and times vary by base. The Uniform committee has published two Elines regarding the specifics of the new uniform. The Elines are posted on the AFA website at www.afausairways.org. Please refer to those Elines for prices, fitting instructions and additional information.

Information is also posted on the hub, however some of that information is incorrect as well as some information being disseminated by Inflight supervisors and administrative assistants. The hub does contain an online brochure of the entire uniform collection.

There is some confusion regarding three issues that I would like to clarify in this Eline:

1. Is our current contract language being followed?

Yes. Section 6 (Uniforms) mandates a wear and tear replacement policy for uniform items and Company replacement of uniform items in the event of a complete or partial uniform change. Section 6 does not say what items are to be included in the uniform or what items are to be replaced. Letter 22 of the East Flight Attendant Agreement addresses the list of items that are to be replaced at Company expense in the event of a complete or partial uniform change. The exact language from Letter 22 is quoted below and the list of uniform items to be replaced is outlined in Letter 22.

Mandatory/Optional Items:

In accordance with Section 6.A. of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the items identified below will be initially purchased by a newly employed flight attendant and thereafter replaced at Company expense. Company paid replacements will be provided due to (i) normal wear; (ii) in the event of a complete or partial uniform change; or (iii) to any flight attendant who has a uniform item stolen from an aircraft while on duty.

Although the new uniforms are being replaced based on an allotment of $850.00 per Flight Attendant, the contract is still being followed because the allotment will allow each Flight Attendant to "purchase" all of the items that are currently offered as part of our existing uniform found in Letter 22. Rather than replace the items on the list in Letter 22 piece by piece (i.e., 2 blazers, 5 shirts, 4 bottoms etc.) a total dollar amount (based on the cost of the new uniform's individual pieces) of the items mandated to be replaced by Letter 22 was arrived at in order make sure the contract was complied with. Since the new uniform has more options than the old, it made sense to allow Flight Attendants the option to choose the individual garments they want to wear.

The actual cost of the items to be replaced (items in Letter 22) is approximately $700.00

The $850.00 allotment includes an additional $150.00 "one time override" to account for additional items that Flight Attendants may have purchased on their own without having to produce receipts. In addition to that, if you do have receipts for uniform items purchased between 2005 and 2007 the Company will replace those items as well.

The bottom line is this- the Company is required to replace the items listed in Letter 22 not the uniform pieces that are in your closet. The MEC believes that the contract is being followed and furthermore believes the $150.00 override and additional replacement substantiated by receipts is a fair means of handling both the contractual requirements and additional items Flight Attendants may possess.

The Company is not replacing luggage at this time. The current contractual provision of wear and tear replacement for luggage and existing uniform items remains in effect. In addition the wear and tear replacement policy is continued in the single agreement.

2. What items are you required to "purchase"?

You are only required to purchase one tie/scarf (female neckwear) and one serving apron. The hub contains incorrect information regarding the required items. The hub information states that in addition to the tie and serving apron you are required to purchase the winter coat and a belt. That information is incorrect. After the tie and apron requirement is met Flight Attendants can use the remainder of the $850.00 allotment to purchase whatever items in whatever quantity they want with the exception of the "polo" shirt. Please be advised that if you choose not to purchase the winter coat you will not be allowed to wear your own coat.

3. Will a tie or scarf be required on transatlantic trips on January 28?

No. The current Company policy is that ties or female neckwear are optional for all types of flying year round. In single agreement negotiations the Company and the Union have agreed to a provision requiring ties or female neckwear (or an approved necklace as an alternative to the female neckwear) when flying transoceanic international flights to Europe, Asia or South America (not the Caribbean).

Absent a single agreement or change in Company policy that would require ties being worn for all types of flying, ties/ female neckwear will not be required beginning January 28th for transatlantic flying.

I hope this Eline clarifies some of the concerns that have been reported to the Uniform Committee and me.

Thank you,

Mike Flores, President
The US Airways Master Executive Council

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AFA Local Numbers

Council 40 PIT 412-245-1214
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

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