AFA
HOTLINE 01-34
(800) 654-3143
December
12, 2001
Baltimore
Base Closure
This
morning (December 14, 2001), AFA was notified that the Baltimore crew domicile
will close effective June 2002. Although AFA is disappointed that
hundreds of flight attendants and their families will be affected in the
next several months, US Airways flight attendants are fortunate that we
have industry leading contractual provisions that will govern the process
of the domicile closure.
The
company’s plan to eliminate the domicile will affect more than just BWI
based flight attendants. Our contract provides for bumping rights,
transfers, displacements to other domiciles which could have an affect
on that particular domicile. We are not immune to these global affects
as we recently experienced them during the closure of the LAX domicile.
The
scant information thus far that was relayed to AFA is:
-
As a result
of the June 2002 realignment, 737 flying time from BOS will be shifted
to PHL.
-
BOS will
be left with approximately 200 to 210 flight attendants and approximately
140 pilots in June 2002.
-
BWI flying
will be shifted to DCA.
Related
sections of your contract are as follows (but not limited to):
During
the next several months, you will be receiving an abundance of information
from both the company and AFA. Relevant sections of the contract
will be outlined and explained as well as company policy and procedures.
It is important that you continue to remain alert for all information that
will be published.
Labor
Coalition Meeting with Wolf
The
US Airways Labor Coalition, including MEC President Lynn Lenosky, met with
chairman and chief executive, Stephen Wolf for the first since he took
over for Rakesh Gangwal. The meeting was uneventful with management continuing
to focus on the need for additional small jets.
It
would appear that the emphasis of singling out ALPA and the pilots’ current
working agreement, which limits the number of small jets that can operate
under US Airways’ makes it a “pilot” issue. The fact is, the small jets
and how the company plans on using them affects almost all labor groups,
including AFA. The assertion, as Wolf indicated, that most of the company’s
problems would be solved with the introduction of additional small jets
is misleading and oversimplifies the problems that face the airline.
Additionally,
pointing the finger at one labor group or the other as a roadblock to US
Airways’ return to profitability, is nothing more than a "divide and conquer”
strategy, which we need to guard against. Pitting one labor group against
the others will not solve the Company's problems.
Main
points from the meeting:
-
The Company
has no immediate plans to file for either bankruptcy or any type of federal
loans through the Loan Guarantee Program.
-
Future
plans do not include further reductions in operations. At the present
there are no displacements for flight attendants occurring as a result
of the reduction in personnel. However, the company has indicated
that they may announce this week the closing of a crew base/s.
-
Focus
will be on domestic operations, strengthening the hub operations in PIT,
CLT and PHL, as well as the Shuttle operations in LGA and DCA. Transatlantic
flights may be affected by seasonal flying and could increase once the
economy strengthens.
-
Management
described the Caribbean as a new focus area.
-
Management
stated that future increases in small jet flying would not result in any
further decrease in Mainline flying – small jets would replace turboprops
and provide additional service where profitable.
-
Wolf stated
that he was here to run the airline and grow the business. However,
he would be obligated to the shareholders of the company to examine any
credible offer to see if it was in the best interest of the shareholders.
-
Wolf clearly
said we were in the survival mode and still operating at a loss.
They are trying to get costs under control and any growth, that is new
cities, new routes, will only come when revenues and traffic return.
-
US Airways
has a “great business platform", with heavy hub concentration, and a new
and modern fleet.
-
Wolf said
that employees are doing a great job, and that the airline was running
“profoundly well”; this in response to concerns about employee mistrust.
AFA
2002 Budget - Decisions to Make
AFA's
budget for 2002, which covers all operating expenses for the International
Office in DCA, all MECs and LECs, negotiations and System Board budgets
is now being voted on by all LEC President throughout AFA.
Here
are the essentials of the proposed budget which seeks to offset a deficit
of $1.4M created by the loss of members due to furloughs and overall increases
in operating costs.
-
$3.00
dues increase (dues were last raised in 1994)
-
LEC funding
will be remain at 15% for the year 2002 instead of increasing to 16% as
required under the Constitution and ByLaws.
-
MEC budgets
will be reduced by 3%.
-
International
office will be required to cut costs by additional $135,000.
Your MEC
officers urge you to contact your Local union office for more details on
this proposal and to voice your opinion. The vote by the LEC presidents
is due by December 19th.
MEC
Officers
in Transition
Your
current MEC officers are transitioning with your newly elected officers
whose three-year terms begin on January 1, 2002.
MEC
President:
Karen Lascoli PIT
MEC
Vice President: Joanne Trihey PHW
MEC
Secretary-Treasurer: Leslie Miller CLT
With
the combined energy, enthusiasm and cooperation of all involved the transition
is anticipated to be smooth, orderly and professional.
To
the outgoing MEC Officers, Lynn Lenosky, David Guerriero, and Richard Delgadillo,
the MEC thanks them for their years of dedication, contributions,
and hard work. Not only have they raised the standard of true union leadership,
but have brought the union into the 21st century through technology, built
strong working relationships with the Labor Coalition and management, and
laid a sure foundation of membership solidarity that can meet our future
challenges. While their talents and expertise will be sorely missed,
we wish them the best of luck.
November
Pay Raises to be Reflected in December 15th Checks
Effective
November 1, 2001 all flight attendants should have received a 2% pay raise
according to the chart outlined in Section 3.A of the Working Agreement.
These new rates will be reflected in your
December
15th pay check.
Holiday
Pay
December
25 and January 1 are considered "compensated holidays" for the purposes
of holiday pay. Please review Section
3.P. of the Contract (Page 3-8) to see how flying a trip on the holiday
can result in additional pay.
Keep
in mind that the amount of holiday pay varies from trip to trip depending
on the credited time, hours away from base on the compensated holiday,
and total hours away from base. Additionally, flight attendants who
are awarded/assigned OPR and Shuttle Standby or experience "Report/No Fly"
situations are also entitled to receive holiday pay.
Delta
Flight Attendants Get the Vote
Delta
flight attendants have already received their ballots and are voting for
their voice at work! If your friends at Delta have not received their
ballot by Friday, they will need to ask the National Mediation Board for
a replacement ballot. Every vote counts.
Call
888-997-8866 and we will send a form to use to request a replacement ballot
from the NMB or print out the form and mail/fax it to the NMB.
If
you know someone who is not planning to vote on the union representation
election because they feel their vote "won't make a difference," then we
urge you to point out, how, over the years, a single vote has not only
decided an election, but changed history:
-
In 1776,
one vote gave America the English language instead of German.
-
In 1845,
one vote brought Texas into the Union.
-
In 1868,
one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from being impeached.
-
In 1941,
one vote saved Selective Service just weeks before Pearl Harbor was attacked.
-
In 1960,
John Kenney won the Presidency over Richard Nixon by less then one vote
per precinct.
-
In 1968,
Richard Nixon won the Presidency over Hubert Humphrey by less than two
votes per precinct.
Yes, your
vote could change the outcome of the election. And, who knows?
It might even change history.
AFA
Connections
The
final edition of AFA Connections for 2001 should be arriving at your homes
shortly. If you don't receive your copy contact your LEC Officers.
Alaska
Airlines is Hiring
Alaska
Airlines anticipates hiring a class of 45 flight attendants in February
2002. Another class of 45 will also be held sometime after February
for an online hire date of May 1, 2002. Alaska has four domiciles
- LAX, PDX, SEA and ANC.
Interested
flight attendants should call Alaska Airlines job line information at 1-206-433-3230
or 1-877-226-1306. You can also get more information by going to
http://www.alaskaair.com.
AFA
HOTLINE 01-33
(800) 654-3143
December
1, 2001
CHANGE
IN LEADERSHIP AT US AIRWAYS
As
you know, due to the resignation of Rakesh Gangwal, Stephen Wolf has assumed
the position of CEO of US Airways. It has yet to be determined who
will fill the position of president for US Airways.
During
the US Airways Labor Coalition conference call on Tuesday, November 27th,
the Coalition pressed for a face-to-face meeting with Wolf after discussions
with him on the state of the company.
While
the recent infusion of cash appears to have helped in the short term, it
remains to be seen if passenger traffic and revenues return in such a manner
as to not only return US Airways to a cash neutral position but beyond.
After expressing a need for more small jets in the US Airways system, three
options were proposed - all of which would seem to include some type of
concessions.
1.
Bankruptcy and/or liquidation of the airline
2.
Initiating the process of lowering employee costs
3.
Merger or association with another airline.
None of
these options were appealing or acceptable. Wolf committed
to being “diligent in keeping Labor [leaders] informed about appropriate
business decisions”. It was quite apparent from the conference call that
Wolf takes a much different approach in dealing with Labor in general.
The
Labor Coalition plans on meeting with Wolf and other top management personnel
on Monday, December 10, 2001.
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
Officer Transition
The
transition period for the MEC officers will take place during the week
of December 10th. During this period, your newly elected officers:
Karen Lascoli, MEC President, Joanne Trihey, MEC Vice President, and Leslie
Miller, Secretary Treasurer will be introduced to their duties and responsibilities
of their new offices. As a result of individual schedules, the first
meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2001.
These
are just a few issues that the transition period will encompass as the
new administration start date of January 1, 2001, draws closer: general
office administration, duties and responsibilities per the AFA Constitution
and Bylaws & MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, outstanding flight attendant
issues, Labor Coalition update and participation, financial and record
keeping responsibilities, database and server responsibilities, all MEC
communication issues including the Hotline, Website, media and E-Line notices,
MEC committee oversight and management, AFA staff management, Executive
Board, General Board and MEC meeting administration, AFA and company relationship
and outstanding issues, etc.
Your
current officers: Lynn Lenosky, MEC President, David Guerriero, MEC
Vice President and Richard Delgadillo, MEC Sec/Treasurer will work closely
with the new officers. It is believed that with a combined seniority
of approximately 85 years and some previous AFA experience between your
newly elected officers, the transition will be smooth, orderly and professional.
VPLOA’s
The
company may be offering a limited number of Voluntary Personal Leaves of
Absence (VPLOA) in CLT (domestic), BWI (domestic), and PIT (domestic) for
the bid month of January 2002.
If
you are interested in applying for a VPLOA for January 2002, you may pick
up a request form in your crewroom or from an Inflight Supervisor.
Your request form must be received by Inflight Administration in Crystal
City by Noon (EST), Thursday, December 6, 2001 for consideration.
(This is different from the due date on the form.)
An
award list will be sent to each crew domicile, no later than Noon, Monday,
December 10, 2001. Additionally, a flight attendant receiving a VPLOA
will receive a letter of notification in his/her flight attendant mailfile
no later than Thursday, December 13, 2001.
If after
reviewing the request form you have any questions, please contact your
supervisor of Inflight Administration.
Executive
Board Meeting in Las Vegas
On
December 2, 2002, the AFA Executive Board, (which is comprised of all MEC
presidents of AFA carriers), the International Officers and the AFA Finance
Committee members will be convening in Las Vegas just prior to the AFL-CIO
international convention, to address the current budget deficit affecting
year 2002 as a result of the September 11th attacks. The reduction
in AFA membership severely impacted the financial status of the Association.
Your
Local presidents will be the final determining factor on whether or not
to approve the budget that will be an outcome of this upcoming meeting.
Representing US Airways flight attendants is Lynn Lenosky, current MEC
president. Richard Delgadillo, MEC Secretary/Treasurer is a member
of the AFA International Finance Committee and recently chaired the committee
over their deliberations at the Board of Directors in November.
Major
issues to be considered are: dues increase, reductions at the Local
and MEC level budget allocations and reductions in services/departments
at the International level. Input to your respective Local president
and/or officers is paramount. Please share your ideas with them or
send an email to the MEC Sec/Treasurer, Richard Delgadillo at rdelgadillo@afausairways.org.
Pay
Raises Effective November 1
Effective
November 1, 2001 all flight attendants will receive a 2% pay raise according
to the chart outlined in Section 3.A of the Working Agreement. These new
rates should be reflected in your November 30th pay check.
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 sideletters
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? Go to
AFA s website at www.afausairways.org and click on "MEC PRESIDENT'S REPORT".
These reports contain all officers' activities since the last MEC meeting
in June 2001 as well as an update on the issues facing the MEC.
HOLIDAY
PAY
December
25 and January 1 are considered a "compensated holiday" for the purposes
of holiday pay. Please review the Section
3.P. (Page 3-8 of the Contract) to see how flying a trip on
the holiday can result in additional pay.
Keep
in mind that the amount of holiday pay varies from trip to trip depending
on the credited time, hours away from base on the compensated holiday,
and total hours away from base. Additionally, flight attendants who are
awarded/assigned OPR and Shuttle Standby or experience "Report/No Fly"
situations are also entitled to receive holiday pay.
STAFFING
REDUCTIONS
Since
the events of September 11th, most crews are experiencing reductions in
aircraft staffing. The Company’s primary focus has obviously moved
away from the high levels of service from past days. Some services
are impossible to complete with fewer Flight Attendants on board.
Remember
to place safety as your number one priority. The Contract allows
for “expedited service procedures” when short staffed (see section
3.F. page 3-4, line 45). If you are not able to complete
a service after giving it your safe, but best effort, so be it. The
Company is fully aware of the current working conditions, and will change
them when their priorities change. Carry comment cards with you if
a passenger complains about the service.
Frequently
Asked Questions
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
Employee
Assistance Information
Q:
Will I be able to collect worker’s compensation if I am unable to fly due
to recent events?
A:
As with any worker’s compensation claim, you must first fill out a company
incident/injury form. The company will decide whether to classify
your injury, mental or physical, as an occupational. Since the company
will be inundated with these types of requests, it is likely that they
will deny it as an occupational injury. If your claim is denied and
you wish to pursue it, you will have to hire a worker’s compensation attorney
to appeal your claim in court. Keep in mind that you will need substantial
medical documentation to present in order to sustain a claim.
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.
|
