This bullet point also states:

‘...management isn’t likely to offer any of the protections for flight attendants that have been negotiated in this TA’… if it is not ratified.

FYI: The pilot’s agreement has the same protections on the guaranteed minimum aircraft as the FA’s TA. I doubt the company will go back on what they have negotiated with the pilots because of anything the FA’s may do. 

Another thing they forgot to mention on the furlough protection is the 8% spare factor for guaranteed aircraft. The guarantee states 275 aircraft outside of bankruptcy and the 245 aircraft inside bankruptcy with an 8% spare factor. What does this mean? It means that active aircraft can fall 8% below the numbers stated. For example, if you want to know how many FA’s will be furloughed, look at the ACTIVE number of aircraft either out or in bankruptcy. Taking into account the 8% factor, the 275 number can be reduced to 253 ACTIVE aircraft. The difference between just the 275 number and the 253 number could equate to an additional 500 FA jobs or more depending on the size of the aircraft. This letter speaks to saving jobs and this airline…. I am finding it more and more difficult to determine just whose jobs they are referring to.

3. The letter also states that we will receive Profit-sharing and equity returns. Only we STILL do not know just what those ‘equity returns’ consists of. FYI; the pilot’s received a 19.33% equity stake in US Airways for their give-backs.

Another issue to ponder is management’s statement in regard to why they will NOT be taking retroactive pay-cuts. They stated it is against the law to take pay, retroactive from management. Fact, it is illegal to take retroactive pay from ANYONE, Management or LABOR. Unless of course, you give permission for them to do so, as stated in our Tentative Agreement.

Another question several of you are asking is…who is paying for all the information you are receiving? I understand that ‘Negotiations’ the ‘Road Shows’ the ‘MEC letters’ and the ‘election process’ is being paid out of a ‘Special Projects Budget’ which is paid for by the company. In defense of the company, when they agreed to pay they did not stipulate that they would only pay for what they approved of or endorsed. In other words, you cannot assume the company oversees what is written in the letters you are receiving even though they may be paying for them. FYI: The information I have sent you is being paid for by your Council 70 union dues dollars and NOT by a ‘Special Projects Budget’ or the Company.

For those who may be angry that I did not sign on to the letters being sent out by the MEC President, Negotiating Committee and the majority of the MEC, I understand your frustration with me. It would be so much easier for all of us if I just followed the crowd, but alas I cannot. Nor can I sign on to anything that tells half a tale or shades the truth. I will take your criticism but I cannot change my character. 

Again, I am not suggesting how you should vote, there are enough people already telling you that. I just want you to have the facts so you can make an informed decision.

Coming Soon…PHL FA’s Q & A’s.