3.22.02 – (LAA) – AA Will Begin Recalling Additional Furloughed FAs, NMB Determines that AA and TWA-LLC are Single Carriers, Reserve Tape Availability, Campaign Finance Reform

This is Leslie Mayo, National Communications Coordinator, with the APFA HotLine for Friday, March 22, 2002.

Due to the number of recalled Flight Attendants on furlough who either did not respond to American Airlines’ certified letter or declined the recall offer, American will be recalling an additional 40 furloughed flight attendants. Please stay tuned to this HotLine for further updates, including the date of recall, which has not yet been determined.

As we announced earlier this week, the National Mediation Board has determined that American Airlines and TWA-LLC are a single carrier for purposes of the Railway Labor Act. This does not affect APFA’s status for the next 30 days. We anticipate that immediately after the conclusion of the 30-day period, APFA will be certified as the bargaining representative of the TWA-LLC Flight Attendants in addition to continuing as bargaining representative of the American Airlines Flight Attendants. We look forward to welcoming the TWA-LLC Flight Attendants to APFA in the very near future. The complete text of this decision is posted on the APFA website.

Based on feedback from APFA, the Company has agreed that effective April 1, 2002, the Reserve tape will be available beginning at 1900 versus 2000 hours local base time. Reserves will then have until 2200 to confirm their assignment.

APFA Negotiator Thelma Dodson, IDF Flight Attendant Suzie Thorley, and JFK Vice Chair Kat Clements have completed the indexing and layout of the new Contract. Per Article 24 of the contract, the Company has the responsibility to print and distribute the new contract, which we anticipate will occur next month.

Please remember that when you are deadheading or traveling non-revenue, the seating priority by cabin is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no seniority involved when determining in which cabin you will be seated.

The Company has approved an alternative binder for your in-flight manual. It is smaller than the original binder and can be purchased for $13.00. If you are interested, visit www.ebags.com/aabinder.

This week, the Campaign Finance Reform passed the Senate. Since it’s already passed the House of Representatives, it will go directly to President Bush who has announced that he intends to sign it into law. This legislation places limits on the amount of allowable dollar contributions to a political party and increases the amounts that individuals can contribute to a candidate’s campaign. While none of the bill’s provisions will have a direct impact on the APFA’s Political Action Committee, APFA has supported this reform effort in order to facilitate the leveling of the political playing field.

Thank you for calling the APFA HotLine. This HotLine will be updated on Thursday, March 28th as Friday is a holiday.