Last Hotline		Last Hotline
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HOTLINE 01-30	Hotlines 01-06 thru 01-09 | Hotlines 01-10 thru 01-16	Disaster HotLine HERE
HOTLINE 01-29	Hotlines 01-01 thru 01-05 |  2000 Archived Hotlines
HOTLINE 01-28

This morning, AFA-US Airways MEC President Lynn Lenosky and MEC Vice President David Guerriero were advised of the resignation of US Airways President and CEO Rakesh Gangwal just prior to their scheduled Labor Coalition meeting in Washington DC. Members of the Labor Coalition were only made aware of this management "shake-up" just this morning and had no previous notification. Nevertheless, MEC President Lenosky and Vice President Guerriero, representing US Airways flight attendants, continued their discussions with the Labor Coalition members on issues affecting US Airways.

No doubt the resignation of CEO Gangwal adds yet another twist to our ongoing issues at US Airways.  However, your current AFA leaders remain steadfast and confident that they will continue their business in the best interest of US Airways flight attendants.  During this period of transition, both at the helm of the corporation and at this MEC level - where your new MEC president-elect, Karen Lascoli, will commence her term on January 1 2002, cool heads and rational thinking is required.

AFA's objective is to ensure the viability of this company, job security and the protection of the working agreement to the best of its ability.  Please do not listen to rumor or gossip and stay in touch with the Hotline, website and *E-line* as they will be updated as soon as practical.

MEC Elections Results

The following is the election results for the US Airways MEC.  The term commences January 1, 2002.

MASTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICERS

MEC PRESIDENT:        Karen Lascoli  PIT
MEC VICE PRESIDENT:   Joanne Trihey  PHW
MEC SEC/TREAS:        Leslie Miller  CLT

Interim MEC SEC/TREAS: Richard Delgadillo  PIW
(Interim term ending December 31, 2001)

MEC COMMITTEE CHAIRS

CREW ACCOMMODATIONS:  Audrey M. Lindner PIT
EAP:                  Deborah McCormick PHW
GRIEVANCE:            Aida Soler        PIW
INTERNATIONAL:        Terry Graf        PHW
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS:  Marianne Moore    CLT

LTD/RETIREMENT BOARD: Michelle Morris (Permanent) DCA
LTD/RETIREMENT BOARD: Christopher Dzadovsky (Permanent) PIW
LTD/RETIREMENT BOARD: Luther Riggs-Zeigen (Alternate) PHL

MANAGED CARE REVIEW:  Deborah McCormick PHW
MANAGED CARE REVIEW:  Pamela Murray     PHW
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:    Laura Magee       CLT
SAFETY/HEALTH:        Nancy Gilmer      BWI

SCHEDULING COMMITTEE: Carol Austin      PHW
SCHEDULING COMMITTEE: Tammi Highwart    PIT
SCHEDULING COMMITTEE: Pamela Hook       PIT

SYSTEM BOARD:         Lynn Lenosky (Permament)  PIW
SYSTEM BOARD:         Judy Schmidt (Alternate)  PIW
SYSTEM BOARD:         Laura Albert (Alternate)  PHW
UNIFORM:              Jodie Weigand     PHW
WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR:Chuck Cannaday    CLT

COMMUNICATIONS:       VACANT
INSURANCE/BENEFITS:   VACANT
RESERVE:              VACANT

MEC Officers’ Annual Report
All flight attendants should have received at home a report from your MEC officers.  This report contains highlights of past hotlines, copies all side letters approved by the LEC presidents since the ratification of the 2000 Flight Attendant working agreement, and a update on MEC contract grievances the office has filed on behalf of the membership.  Please use the report as a guide and resource on issues important to you.

MEC Website Information
Interested in reviewing the MEC President and Vice President ‘s reports submitted to the MEC at their regularly scheduled meeting held in Pittsburgh? Then go AFA’s website at www.afausairways.org. These reports contain all activities the officers have been engaged in since the last MEC meeting in June of 2001 as well as an update on the issues facing the MEC. 

MEC President’s Response to PIT Members’ Letter
In response to a letter from two members of Council 40, MEC President, Lynn Lenosky, has written a letter which can be found on the AFA-US Airways website; click on ‘MEC President’s Response’. Because the letter from Rosemary Nea and Pam Hook was not limited to Pittsburgh and distributed to other domiciles, the MEC president had no choice but to publicly address the many inaccuracies and misinformation contained in the letter and regrets having to take such an action in response. 

The Shell Games of Trip Reconstruction
The reduction in operations and flying has resulted in many canceled and/or rebuilt trips.  Be alert for two items when trips are reconstructed: 

• Trip splits with overnights occurring in your own base. Should this occur, all duty rigs and meal expense continue and the company must provide you with a hotel room.
• New trips created between the same city pairs as the originally scheduled trip. To ensure proper pay protection you must be diligent to check if the new flight departures occur between the same city pairs within 4 hours of the originally scheduled trip departures of the cancelled trip. If so, your contract provides for pay protection for those trips flown. For more detailed information on this and other rescheduling issues, please refer to Section 9.G.

Representational ballots will be mailed to all Delta flight attendants on December 7, 2001. During the time these ballots are in the field AFA will be conducting a “Get Out The Vote” campaign. As part of this effort we are encouraging our members to volunteer their time by participating in the telephone banks set up in New York, Washington, DC, and Atlanta.  If interested in volunteering in New York at 443-562-9698, and in Atlanta contact Tom Bradley 1-888-997-8866.

CRAF Reposted
1400 flight attendants have signed up for Civil Reserve Air Fleet Flying. Many flight attendants, however, felt they didn’t have adequate time to consider the CRAF opportunity. So the Company has reopened the CRAF sign-up process for those who did not previously sign up.

If you did not already sign up and are interested in CRAF flying you must submit a letter to Inflight Administration indicating your interest. Make sure you include your name and employee number in your request.

Requests must be submitted to Inflight Administration by 1700 on Monday, November 26, 2001.  Fax number 703-872-6476.

Voluntary Personal Leaves of Absence
The Company may be offering a limited number of Voluntary Personal Leaves of Absence (VPLOA) for December 2001 for CLT, CLW, BWI, and PIT.

If you are interested in applying for a VPLOA for December, you may find a request form in crew rooms or from an Inflight Supervisor. Inflight Administration in Crystal City must receive applications by 12:00 noon on Monday, November 26.

Please contact your Inflight Supervisor or call Inflight Administration if you have any questions.

However, 136 Flight Attendants, junior to Employee #95646, First Training Date of 7/24/2000 will still be furloughed December 2 as scheduled. 

AFA will continue to pursue the recently filed MEC grievance on the October terminations and these furloughs. 

The Company will notify by letter any Flight Attendant whose furlough was rescinded.

Information on displacements hasn’t been released yet. Once available, we will publicize it on this Hotline, the E-Line and the website, http://www.afausairsways.org

Obviously, a lot is happening in the industry and at the Company these days. Be sure to keep up with what's going on. If you are leaving on a Furlough, whether it’s voluntary or involuntary, subscribe to the *E-Line* from AFA-US Airways on the website, http://www.afausairways.org

Additional Voluntary Furloughs Offered
Additional Voluntary Furlough applications may be CONSIDERED for the following ONLY:

• If you received a furlough notice
• AND thought you were NOT eligible for the Voluntary Furlough 
• AND did NOT get furloughed 

If you are still interested in a Voluntary Furlough, you should submit a Voluntary Furlough application along with a written explanation of why you did not apply by the original deadline, as soon as possible.  Fax your application to In-Flight Administration, 703-872-6476, by Tuesday, November 6th, 5 PM.  The Company has agreed to REVIEW these requests.

Voluntary Furlough Awards

Total Number of Voluntary Furloughs Awarded = 1863
 

Number of Voluntary Furloughs Awarded by domicile: BOS 73 BWI 143 CLT 323 CLW 36 DCA 96 LGA 29 PHL 366 PHW 170 PIT 562 PIW 65 Total 1863

Here's more detail on the numbers... Voluntary Furloughs by Base and Duration: Base 6 Months 12 Months 18 Months 24 Months 30 Months 36 Months BOS 37 13 3 5  6 9 BWI 78 22 6 16 1 20 CLT 170 44 18 43 3  45 CLW 15 8 3 3 0 7 DCA 37 15 12 15 3 14 LGA 19 6 0 1 0 3 PHL 203 41 24 42 4 52 PHW 109 19 4 16 5  17 PIT 334 68 41 56 8 55 PIW  40 6 6 6 1 6 Total 1042 242 117 203 31 228

Vacation Payout- VOLUNTARY FURLOUGHS
If awarded a voluntary furlough, you have the option of being paid out for all your vacation.  If exercised, this vacation pay out will compensate you for ALL vacation accrued and on the books, not just the vacation time awarded during the furlough period. 

For example, if you take the Vacation Payout and you return from a 6 month Voluntary Furlough you would have NO vacation for the remainder of 2002; you will have been paid for it already.

The vacation pay out will be consistent with Section 7.B.1. and based on your current monthly trip/hourly option.

For a limited time, the Company will accept Flight Attendant requests to change their vacation pay out option to NO PAY OUT. If you want to change your vacation pay out, you must FAX a request to In-Flight Administration: (703) 872-6476 no later than Friday, November 9th, 5:00pm. 

Union Dues Obligation
Please remember that if you are taking a Voluntary Furlough you have an obligation for dues for the first 3 months to avoid going into bad standing.

A member taking a voluntary furlough is considered by AFA to be on a leave of absence in lieu of furlough.  Members on leaves of absence are active for the first 90 days of any leave and have a 3-month dues obligation.  After 90 days, you become inactive and you have no further dues obligation until you return to active status.

ITD Supplemental Bid 
The Company will post a supplemental bid for the ITD based on a shortage of ITD Flight Attendants due to Voluntary Furloughs. The bid will be posted for 15 days, closing at 12:00 noon on Friday, November 16 and processed according to the contract (Section 12.F.3.a and Section 18). However, the required 15 day limit may effect how long ITD flight attendants have to bid for January lines. Flight attendants awarded the ITD in this supplemental bid should pay close attention to the window for bidding monthly lines for January.

Touching Days with Late Arriving Trips
As a reminder, trips that have arrival times of 2345 or later, with the 15 minutes debriefing, are considered a legal touch for the next day but you must notify Crew Scheduling to drop the trip.

Open Enrollment Extended 
The company is extending the annual benefits open enrollment period by five days to Friday,
November, 16 because of mailing delays in some locations. Please take the additional time
to review your current benefit elections and determine if you need to update your elections for next year.

You do not need to enroll if you will not participate in a flexible spending account next year and if you have no changes in your benefit elections.

You may participate in open enrollment by the web or by phone. Please have your open enrollment packet on hand and log onto http://usairways.synHRgy.com or call toll-free 1-877-261-8695. The automated telephone enrollment line and the web site are available
24 hours a day during the open enrollment period.

Changes you make during open enrollment are effective January 1, 2002. Furloughed employees are eligible to make changes to their medical or dental benefits during open enrollment. 

If you have questions about Benefits Open Enrollment, call US Airways Benefits Administration at 800-872-4780 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (EST).

December Filler Day Requests
Close: Monday, November 12 at 0900

January 2002 Bidding Timeline
January Monthly Vacation Rebid 
Closes: Wednesday, November 14 at 0900

ALL FOLLOWING BIDS OPEN AND CLOSE at 1800

January Vacation Buyback 
Closes: Saturday, November 17

January Primary Line Bids
Open:  Wednesday, November 14
Close: Thursday, November 22

January SAP
Opens:  All bases, Friday, November 23
Closes: For BOS,PHL,PHW,PIT,PIW Thursday, November 29
            For BWI,CLT,CLW,DCA,LGA Friday, November 30

January Secondary Line Bids
Open:  Friday, December 7
Close: Wednesday, December 12

January Secondary Line Overprojection Drops
Open:  Sunday, December 16
Close: Monday, December 31

January Reserve Line Bids
Open:  Monday, December 17
Close: Sunday, December 23

AFA Local Meeting

Baltimore  -  Council 87
Washington -  Council 41

A Joint Council Meeting
When:  Monday, November 5, 2001
Time:  11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Charles E. Beatley Library
       5005 Duke St, Alexandria, VA
       703-519-5900

A Joint Council Meeting held prior to the AFA Board of Directors Meeting will include Council 87 - BWI, Council 21 - UAL, Council 41 - DCA, and ACA.

MEC Elections
MEC Elections for MEC Officer positions as well as the MEC chairpersons, Members of the System Board, Flight Attendant Scheduling Committee, Long Term Disability Board and Managed Care Review Board are scheduled to take place during the upcoming MEC meeting to be held in Pittsburgh.  Candidates interested in being present for the elections should note that they are scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 17, 2001.  All members in good standing are welcome to attend as well.

AFA Meetings in Pittsburgh
The USAirways MEC, AFA Executive Board, and Annual Board of Directors will all meet in Pittsburgh during November:

November 8 & 9:  AFA's Executive Board, which includes all the MEC Presidents along with three International Officers, will meet.

November 12 - 15 AFA's Board of Directors, which includes all Local Council Presidents, all MEC officers, and the International Officers will meet.

November 11-12 & 16-17: US Airways MEC, which includes all US Airways LEC Presidents and the two MEC Officers, will meet. MEC Elections are scheduled to be held on the last day, November 17.

Where: All meetings will be at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

All meetings are open to all members in good standing. A posting of the meeting notice is available on AFA bulletin boards throughout the system and all meeting agendas are available on our web site or through your local union office.

Partners In Safety - Maintaining Our Focus
US Airways Corporate Safety, AFA Safety, and ALPA Safety have developed a campaign
Called, “Partners In Safety - Maintaining Our Focus”.  The purpose of the campaign is to commend crewmembers for maintaining their focus on safety and security following the 9/11 terrorist attack, and to encourage us to continue to maintain that focus.

Corporate Safety Cabin and Flight representatives and AFA and ALPA Safety representatives will participate in a two-week crew room to address crewmember questions and concerns about safety and security on the line and to encourage them to maintain their focus on
safety. Please participate during this campaign and share your views and questions.
 

ITD 2002 Global Re-award and 2002 Vacation Awards
Despite AFA’s protest and threat to file a grievance the company went ahead with their plans to re-award the ITD 2002 Global Bid.  In the last thirty days the company committed a long list of egregious acts in response to the events of September 11th beginning with the termination of 480 probationary flight attendants, announcement to furlough an additional 2400 flight attendants, anticipation of displacement of approximately 1000 more (which have yet to be announced), and now the re-awarding of the ITD bid for next year.  Their latest actions have not only effected our working lives but are now drastically affecting the precious leisure time we have for the entire next year.  I am not sure what more they could possibly do but the day is young. 

AFA filed an MEC grievance this week on these latest actions.  Since then, management has assured AFA that supervisors would work with those flight attendants who believe they were adversely affected by the re-award.  Flight attendants who believe they were disadvantaged should contact their inflight supervisor and work out an acceptable solution based on what their seniority would have held.  Flight attendants who are not able to rectify their situation to their satisfaction should then contact their local union office. In the meantime AFA will move forward with the grievance.

As for the 2002 Vacation Awards for the ITD, it came to AFA’s attention today that the posted matrix for the ITDs was not the matrix the company used when processing the vacation awards for the ITD flight attendants.  The matrix used Monday was a revised one that reflected the reduction in workforce, but was never posted or made available to the membership prior to bidding the vacation.  AFA plans on filing another MEC grievance on Monday morning. 

Additional Time Available in SAP for December
The company intends to process the voluntary furlough requests first and then process the SAP awards.  Therefore, any trip/s that become vacant as a result of the awards will be made available in SAP.  Primary line holders who participate in SAP are encouraged to list all trip choices, not just those shown as open time. Listing all choices will ensure that you may be awarded a trip/s from these vacated lines.

Voluntary Furlough Agreement (Here)
Active flight attendants who would not otherwise be furloughed are entitled to participate in the Voluntary Furlough program recently negotiated between AFA and the company. With the company anticipating furloughing approximately 2400 flight attendants, AFA believes that all flight attendants applying for these furloughs will be granted them. The deadline for request forms is October 25, 2001.

Since the posting of this agreement, several questions have arisen and clarifications are as follows: 

Contractual Rights and Seniority protection:  some flight attendants have had questions regarding Paragraph 5 of the Voluntary Furlough Letter of Agreement.  Paragraph 5 had originally stated: “Flight Attendants on Voluntary Furlough are considered to be inactive and therefore not entitled to any of the contractual benefits provided to active employees.” Upon AFA’s insistence and in order to be sure that there is a clear intent respective to this paragraph, the side letter has been modified. The purpose of this paragraph was to let the flight attendant on Voluntary Furlough know that he/she is considered inactive during the period of the Voluntary Furlough, just like any other flight attendant on a leave of absence.  The new sentence has been edited to reflect both the company and AFA’s intent and now states the following: “Flight attendants on Voluntary Furlough are considered to be inactive for the duration of the Voluntary Furlough.”

Furthermore, questions have arisen regarding seniority rights while on Voluntary Furlough in the event of a merger, sale, bankruptcy, etc.  Paragraph 9 ensures that seniority rights are protected. It states  "Flight attendants will continue to accrue seniority and longevity for all purposes (inclusive of bidding and pay) during such Voluntary Furloughs.” In other words, flight attendants on Voluntary Furlough remain on the US Airways System Seniority List and are protected under the terms of our contract.

Unemployment compensation: while the side letter stipulates that the company will not contest unemployment claims arising from flight attendants who have been voluntarily furloughed, some members are concerned that individual states will deny the claim. Each state has different unemployment requirements and rules.  AFA recommends contacting your local state’s Unemployment Compensation office with your questions. Our web site has links to these offices for your convenience. 

When applying for unemployment you may be asked to show proof of employment (a pay stub).  Keep in mind that you are being furloughed or laid off due to a reduction in work force.

Vacation Rebid: any vacation time awarded during the furlough period will be carried forward if the flight attendant chooses not be paid out.  Flight attendants with carry forward vacation will have the opportunity to rebid the unused vacation time once he/she returns from furlough.

For example, Joe Smith takes a six-month furlough with his vacation scheduled for 14 days during the time on furlough and 14 days during the time after his return.  Joe opts to carry forward the vacation from his furlough period.  This time is available for rebid on a monthly basis as per Section 7.D.4.  The vacation originally award after his return to work stays in place unless he chooses to exercise his rights under the provisions of Section 7 (monthly rebid, swap). Flight attendants who are unsuccessful in rebidding the carry forward vacation are entitled to the contract provisions under Section 7.E. 

Meaning of the word “active”: any flight attendant desiring to take advantage of the Voluntary Furlough must be active.  Therefore, if you are currently out on a leave of absence and otherwise inactive, you must notify the company with a date to “return to work” which is prior to December 2, 2001, including those members who might be required to produce a medical release. If the return to work date is near enough to December 2, 2001 attending recurrent training may not be required. 

The CRAF side letter was originally negotiated and approved by the MEC over 4 years ago and ratified by the membership as part of the 2002 agreement.  In light of the recent events, there is a possibility that the Department of Defense will activate this agreement with US Airways.  In order to be proactive I requested a meeting with management to review the terms and make sure we would be ready should the flying be activated. 

On Thursday a meeting was held between AFA and the company for the purposes of reviewing the two side letters, CRAF located in the current agreement as L27 and L28 - Missing, Interment, Hostage, Prisoner of War and Hijacking.  This meeting was a preliminary one, not to be confused with the one required under the side letter. Should the company be notified of the CRAF operation, we will then meet to determine the staffing, number and type of aircraft involved, length/duration/type of flying, etc.

The publication of the CRAF preference list should have been long ago and with my insistence it was recently posted.  Furthermore, I have requested and the company has consented to repost this because our members were not provided with adequate notice in order to participate.  However, they do not expect to repost this until some time in November. 

In  reviewing the side letter the parties noted the references to the 1993 contract and certain paragraphs cited.  These will need to be edited to reflect the 2000 agreement as well as other items we brought to the company’s attention. 

A follow up meeting is planned for October 29, 2001.   Items related to the scheduling, bidding, awarding and duty periods/trips of this flying will not be known until the company is contacted by the government with their service requirements. After that time we should have more specific information for you.

Local Meetings

Philadelphia - Council 70

When:  Wednesday, October 24, 2001
Time:  10:00am  12:00 Noon
       3:00pm   5:00pm
Where: Comfort Inn 
       53 Industrial Highway
       Essington, PA  19029
       610-521-9800

Agenda: BOD Advanced Agenda Items
Guest Speaker: Lynn Lenosky
 

Charlotte - Council 89

When:  Thursday, October 25, 2001
Time:  9:00am   12:00 noon
       1:00pm - 4:00pm
       6:00pm   9:00pm
Where: Airport Auditorium
       Charlotte Douglas International Airport
       (above the food court)

Agenda: AFA Board of Directors advanced agenda items
        SAP
        Security
        Contact clarification

USAirways MEC, AFA Executive Board and Annual Board of Director Meetings
November is a busy month for AFA as leadership meeting are scheduled for 9 days in November.  The AFA’s Executive Board, which includes all the MEC presidents along with three International Officers, will conduct a two-day meeting on November 8 and 9.  The US Airways MEC will meet in conjunction with AFA’s Annual Board of Directors meeting.  The MEC meeting dates are as follows, November 11, 12, 16 and 17.  AFA’s Board of Directors, which includes all Local Council presidents, all MEC officers, and the International Officers will meet from November 12 through the 15.  All meetings will be held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh and open to all members in good standing.  I encourage you to attend an see your elected leaders in action.   A posting of the meeting notice is available on AFA bulletin boards throughout the system and all meeting agendas are available on our web site or through your local union office. 

The Master Executive Council has reached an agreement with the company that will permit flight attendants, who would not have otherwise been furloughed, to elect to be voluntarily furloughed for increments of six months not to exceed 36 months.  These voluntary furloughs are offered in order to offset the involuntary furloughs that have recently been announced.  AFA was successful in negotiating terms that exceed those provided for in Section 20.B of the flight attendant contract.  Effective immediately, the company will offer a Voluntary Furlough package to all active flight attendants.  The voluntary furlough period begins on December 2, 2001.  Written requests for voluntary furloughs must be received no later than October 25, 2001. 

Highlights of the Voluntary Furlough package include:

• Continued group health and welfare benefits at company expense for the first two (2) years with an option to continue coverage for the remaining furlough period at the applicable premium rates 
• On–line pass privileges for the duration of the voluntary furlough 
• Continued seniority and longevity accrual for all purposes, (including bidding and pay) 
• Continued sick and vacation accrual for the first thirty (30) days of voluntary furlough 
• Continued pension service credits for the duration of the furlough period 
• Option for a flight attendant to retire with benefits from the voluntary furlough status if otherwise eligible to do so.

Any active flight attendant who is interested in the voluntary furlough should complete a Voluntary Furlough request form even if you’ve been notified that you could be involuntarily furloughed.  Forms are available in the crew rooms and Inflight Department.  Visit the AFA website at www.afausairways.org for more information. 

MEC Grievance filed on Furloughs and Probationary Terminations

As I have previously stated, AFA’s position on this matter is that the Company does not have the right under Section 1.E. of our agreement to furlough our members. Nor do they have the right to terminate our probationary members en mass as a way of reducing their staffing levels.  In light of the fact that the company has failed to correct these two issues or conduct any further meetings to rectify this, I instructed the Grievance Committee to file a grievance on these issues.  However, the MEC has directed me to continue to explore all avenues for an acceptable remedy. As a reminder, terminated and furloughed flight attendants should keep their current contact information on file with both AFA and the company

Trip Guarantee for ITD Lineholders 

In a follow up to misinformation recently published by the company regarding ITD lineholder trip guarantee, please be advised that this issue has been addressed and clarified.  As per Section 12.F.17.of the current working agreement, all lineholding flight attendants in the ITD have trip guarantee if an ITD trip cancels for any reason provided such flight attendant/s make every effort to make up the lost time by using the A and I list (bid sheet) on three remaining days off.  The flight attendant is not required to utilize the A & I list for a trip that would conflict with another originally scheduled trip or for the last trip or series of trips of the month.  For more details please refer to the above referenced contract section, (Section 12.F.17).

Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Operation

Side letter L-27, located in the back of our agreement, outlines the details of this specialized flying.  This operation takes place in two parts.  First, the company must create a preference list of all flight attendants who wish to participate in this operation.  This list is kept on file in the event the Department of Defense (DOD) needs to use US Airways’ aircraft for troop movement or aeromedical operations.  It is simply a list of interested Flight Attendants.   A Flight Attendant may remove their name from the preference list at any time with 30 days notice.  No detailed information related to specific aircraft assignment or routing is available at this stage.

The second part is activated when the Company’s CRAF operation is initiated by the DOD.  Paragraph 7 of the side letter requires the Company to review the terms and conditions within 30 days of initiating CRAF.  At that time, if not before, we will receive the details of specific trips.  In the meantime, please review side letters L-27 and L28. 

Local Council Meetings

Pittsburgh - Council 40
Wednesday, October 17, 2001
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
LEC Office
1009 Beaver Grade Rd.  Suite 130
Moon Township, PA 15108
412-262-3375
Agenda: Bidding, SAP, Trip Cancellations and Q and A. 

Philadelphia - Council 70 
Wednesday, October 24, 2001 
10:00 –12:00 AM
4:00 – 6:00 PM 
Comfort Inn 
53 Industrial Highway 
Essington, PA  19029 
610-521-9800 
Agenda: BOD Advanced Agenda Items
Guest Speaker:  Lynn Lenosky

Charlotte - Council 89 
October 25, 2001
9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
6:00PM – 9:00 PM
Airport Auditorium
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (above the food court)
AFA Board of Directors advanced agenda items
SAP
Security
Contact clarification

LEC Elections

BOS Elections
Election Ballots must be postmarked by October 16. Counted on October 26.  . 

LGA Elections
Election Ballots must be postmarked by October 23. Counted November 2.
 

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.