FURLOUGH
Q:  Will I be furloughed?
A:  Company wide furloughs/layoffs were announced on Monday September 17, 2001. As of this writing, the company has not determined what their staffing needs are for flight attendants.  Other employee groups have “no furlough” clauses that only protect their members on the property on the date their contract was signed.  Our contract protects ALL flight attendants on the system seniority list through the duration of our contract.  The contract lays out certain exceptions and it is AFA’s position that the circumstances we are experiencing do not fall under these exceptions.  Refer to Section 1.E. of your flight attendant agreement.

In the event the company does not share AFA’s interpretation, expect furlough notices to be sent from the company to flight attendants.  AFA will continue discussions with the company on reducing the flight attendant workforce within the confines of our contract and take any necessary action.

Q:   If I have 20 years with the company and only 2 years as a flight attendant, what seniority would the company use in the event of a furlough?
A:  Once you move to the position of flight attendant, the company would view your employment as a two-year flight attendant.  Should there be other positions within the company of which you are qualified (check COB’s) you may be able to seek another position to avoid furlough.  Be cautious taking another job within the company because in many cases you relinquish your flight attendant seniority at some point.

Q:  What if the Company lays people off?
A:  Layoffs affect the entire airline. For flight attendant purposes, we use “furlough” or  “reduction in personnel” as referred to in our contract. Please refer to Section 19, as this will be the main section governing flight attendant reductions.

SECURITY
Q:  Is the aviation system safe?
A:  The Federal Government, which includes the FAA, is working to secure all facets of the aviation system.  The extra security measures will provide a deterrent to many types of threats to the airline industry.  We all should remain alert for unusual circumstances but refrain from overreacting.  Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Norman Mineta has formed a DOT Rapid Response Team on Aircraft Security.  AFA International President, Patricia Friend, and ALPA International President, Duane Woerth, are members of the team.

Q:  Is security permitted to touch me?
A:  Airport security may use a wand.  The wand device is not intended to "touch" you but may occur inadvertently.  If no wand is available, security may conduct a "pat down" using the back of their hands only.  In general, security or law enforcement can search any person, including crewmembers if a threat exists.  As crewmembers, we understand this issue better than most of the flying public.  Cooperate fully with any requests from security personnel.

Q:  What will happen if I bring scissors or a penknife to work?
A:  It is a breech of security and they will be confiscated.  You should remove all unauthorized objects from your crew luggage including nail clippers and corkscrews.  Refer to the new security directives from the company.

Q:  Should I secure my ID, passport, and uniform when I am on an overnight?
A:  Absolutely.  Your uniform, passport, ID, and other essential items could be used for other than what they are intended. Maintain vigilance while on or off duty.

CREW SCHEDULING
Q:  Am I entitled to “show no go” pay if I had a trip but the company did not contact me and the airport was closed?
A:  If you feel that you have a valid claim, you should submit it.  If you are not sure of what is or is not a valid claim, call your supervisor first and then call your AFA Local for assistance.  Remember, filing false information with the company could have serious consequences.

Q:  I have child care issues.  If I accept a two-day trip, will I get home in time?
A:  Your contract is in full force and you are to be returned home in any rescheduling in a reasonable time of the original published arrival time.  Review Section 9.G. of your AFA contract. With issues such as childcare, elder care, etc., it is advisable to have a back-up plan.

Q:  Is the bid sheet operating as usual?
A:  Yes.  In some domiciles, they are short flight attendants due to the irregular operations.  You may have opportunities to maximize your time if you make yourself available. Our contract is in full force when processing the bid sheet.

Q:  How do I handle being ordered to fly if crew scheduling or any company official issues a “direct work order?”
A:  Respectfully request a “personal day” and immediately notify your supervisor and your LEC Union office.  Be sure you know who issued the direct work order and exactly what they said.    Write it up! Include name, date, and time. If the conversation involves a crew scheduler, these telephone lines are recorded and if necessary tapes can be pulled.

Q:  What if crew scheduling asks me: “Are you refusing to fly?”
A:  Please respond: “No, I am not refusing to fly but …” and provide the reason you are declining an assignment.

CONTRACT
Q:  Has the company asked for relief from our contract to deal with the turmoil in our industry?
A:  Yes.  The MEC’s seven voting members (your LEC Presidents) have directed the MEC President not to enter into concessionary discussions that affect our wages.  However, the MEC is willing to discuss with the company, solutions that are mutually beneficial for the immediate and long-term survival of the airline.

Q:  I am on the LOD/O program, am I protected from any furlough since I speak another language?
A:  No. In case of furlough, your system seniority will apply- not your LOD/O status.

Q:  I am a Reserve. Will I still get my scheduled days off?
A:  At this time the AFA US Airways contract is in full force. All Reserve flight attendants must receive 11 days off each month. Please refer to Section 11 of the contract.

Q:  Can the Company move my days off?
A:  Yes.  The Company may move your days off. However, inviolable days are the exception. (Refer to Section 11.A. 1 – 4).

Q:  Can I be rescheduled?
A:  Yes.  All flight attendant trips can be rescheduled. Review Section 9.G.1. – 7 of the contract.

Q:  Do I have to SAP?
A:  No.  Using the SAP process is optional.

Q:  I heard the FAA has relaxed duty time limitations. How could this affect me?
A:  Our contract governs all US Airways flight attendant duty time limitations. Our contract remains in full force, duty time limitations are unchanged.

Q:  Do I follow my contract or does the company have leeway right now?
A: The contract is in full force.  Stay informed with of all the latest information by calling the Flight Attendant Hotline at 1(800) 654-3143 or by logging on to www.afausairways.org   You may also subscribe to AFA’s eline to receive the latest via the Internet. The address is: AFA-e-line-on@afausairways.org  If you have any further questions, please contact your LEC President.  At this time, it is imperative to carry your contract with you on every trip.  If you do not have a copy of the contract, obtain one from your Inflight/Crew Services office.

Q:  Am I pay protected?
A:  The contract provides the following pay protections:

Last trip of the month

Monthly guarantee

Rescheduling where applicable (see Section 9.G.1-6)

Show no go

Q:  Will I be able to apply for long term disability (LTD) if I am unable to fly?
A:  You can complete a long-term disability application but it must be accompanied by medical data to confirm that you are disabled.  If you are applying due to a mental condition, you must be actively treating with a medical professional who has mapped out a prognosis to eventually return you to work.  In addition, keep in mind that there is a ninety-day waiting period before disability payments are kicked in.  If you are initially denied disability, you may appeal the decision.  All the instructions are included in correspondence to you.

Q:  Will I be able to apply for a medical or personal leave of absence?
A:  You must request a medical leave of absence from your immediate supervisor.  You must be prepared to supply medical information and sign medical release forms.  You must be under the active care of a medical professional.   Both a medical and personal leave are the discretion of the company; there is no obligation to grant them.  The company will be flooded with these types of request so make sure you have the medical documentation to substantiate your need for a leave.

Q:  Can I just call in sick until I feel ready to fly?
A:  If you choose to call in sick, open a dialogue with your supervisor about the nature    of your sick calls.  The more information that is shared, the less likely it will turn into a disciplinary matter in the future.  If your supervisor is unable to differentiate between your sick calls for a cold versus your mental condition, then you may be quickly processed through the dependability program.  If you feel the need to call in sick continuously, call EAP for assistance.

Q:  I am a Reserve being assigned. What do I say if I am afraid to fly?
A:  Please advise the crew scheduler that you do not wish to fly and state your reasons.

Q:  What happens if I think I am okay to fly but when I get to work, I have an anxiety attack and cannot fly?

Q:  Will I have to call in sick or ask for a personal day?
A:  Contact your Local AFA office or Magellan @ 800-872-4711 and ask for EAP assistance.
You always have the right to call in sick if you ARE sick.  If you ask for a “personal day” and removal from a trip, you must call your supervisor and discuss your request.

Help is available.  You are encouraged to stop by the crew lounge to discuss recent events with specially trained AFA EAP volunteers as well as professional counselors. These Critical Incident Response Members (CIRP) will do their best to be in crew domiciles for the next few days.  Your supervisors can direct you to them or just look for signs posted in the crew check-in areas.  Also check previous AFA Hotlines on the AFA website.

Additional help is also available by calling US Airways Employee Assistance Services, Magellan at 1-800-872-4711.  In Europe call 44-1865-397081(Collect) and in the UK call 01865-397081 (Collect).

Q:  Can crew scheduling force me to work if I have significant anxiety about flying?
A:  No.  The company has stated that no one will be forced to work if they have a real anxiety about flying.

DISCIPLINE
Q. Will I be disciplined for not flying my obligation?
A:  Given the unusual circumstances that have affected flying for this month, discipline issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  If you receive any form of discipline or are asked to explain why you have not met your flying obligation this month, immediately contact your LEC office.

Q:  If the airline is not running at 100%, how do I commute to work?
A:  Co-ordinate with a supervisor or contact crew scheduling. Make every attempt to find alternate means to commute to work. Document the issue in the event you need Union intervention at a future time.

Q:  Can I be fired as a Reserve who is out-of-base while on duty?
A:  The company will review every situation on a case-by-case basis.  We all are working under unusual circumstances.   If you are out-of-base, try to get to your domicile as soon as possible.  Document the issue with your LEC office in the event you need Union representation at a future time.

TRAVEL
Q:  Can my family travel on my passes?
A:  We have not been notified of any changes to our flying benefits. Except to expect embargos on off-line travel,

Q:  Do we still have companion passes?
A:  We have not been notified of any changes to our companion pass benefit travel policy.

Q:  Can I travel to European destinations?
A:  Although we have not been notified of changes to our benefits, an embargo is still in place for companion passes to Europe. That is, you must travel with your companion through November 1, 2001.  As for restrictions in and out of Europe, we are not aware of any destinations in the US Airways system prohibiting travel. It is better to check with Reservations for the latest information.

MISCELLANEOUS
Q:  If I am thinking about retiring, what should I do?
A:  All procedures remain in effect. You must submit a request in writing to Human Resources, advising them of your intentions. Please include your full name, social security number, and date anticipated to retire.  If you have a spouse, please include his/her name and date of birth.   The address is:  Human Resources, Benefits Admin. 2345 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22227.  You may also call Human Resources at 1-800-872-4780.  You should also request a Social Security Summary from your local SS office.  Or visit their website at: www.ssa.gov/mystatement

Q:  Is there a need for volunteers to assist in the LEC offices?
A:  During any time of crisis, volunteers are always needed.  When offering assistance, explain what skills you have and the time you have to offer.

Q:  What should I do if I missed training?
A:  Contact your supervisor or the corporate training department to reschedule your training.

Q:  Is the company going to survive?
A:  We can all do our part to insure the company’s survival. However, there are no guarantees in these unusual circumstances. Your Union will preserve as many jobs as possible and work with the company to minimize the impact.