7.03.02 – (LAA) – FAs Access SSI via Flight Service Website, State of American Airlines

Hello. This is George Price, APFA National Communications Coordinator, with an APFA HotLine Update for Wednesday, July 3, 2002.

The APFA Safety Department, together with their counterparts at American Airlines, has been looking for ways to provide Flight Attendants with access to pertinent and up-to-date security information. We are pleased to announce that Flight Attendants will be able to access Sensitive Security Information (SSI) via the Flight Service Web site at www.aafltsvc.com. This information includes the latest intelligence, including a Civil Aviation Security Information Circular from the Transportation Security Administration, issued July 2, 2002.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2002, Don Carty released a message on Jetwire regarding the state of American Airlines. In his remarks, Mr. Carty eluded to the fact that management is looking at making changes to the overall business plan. These changes, according to Mr. Carty, will result in the need for fewer employees throughout the company. He goes on to say that the goal of management is to deal with any overage through normal attrition and retirements. Voluntary programs are also under consideration. The APFA has been given no specific information regarding the company’s business plan. We have not been told how management’s decisions may impact our specific workgroup. When we do have more information, we will provide it to you on this hotline, the InfoRep HotLine, and the APFA Web site. Until then, please do not fall victim to speculation and rumors.

Patty Bias, APFA Hotel Coordinator, is very excited to announce that the Company will renew the contract at the New York Park Central Hotel. There is no way that we could have achieved this without the efforts of our membership and the help of the Base Chairs. Congratulations and continue to enjoy New York City at the Park Central.

We have been notified that crew schedule is pre-plotting availability trips for the first five days of July. Although the company rarely pre-plots after bids are final, they do have the contractual right to do so per Article 9.c.4.d and Appendix I.9.c.4.d. If you have had a trip pre-plotted, you may trade or drop the trip and may utilize TTOT.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO STL/ISL FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

It is possible to be rescheduled/reassigned at home base at the end of a trip. The order of open time coverage must be followed which may be found in the Contract in Article 9.L. and Appendix I.9.L. If you are rescheduled/reassigned at the end of a trip, please call the APFA Scheduling Desk at extension 8161 so that we can ensure that the proper procedures are being followed. There have been many missed trips given out recently due to Flight Attendants not knowing this rule. If you receive a missed trip, please contact your Base Chair or Vice Chair.

As we reported on the Friday HotLine, APFA has teamed up with the Critical Incident Stress Foundation to develop a survey that will help to ascertain how our membership is coping in the wake of the tragic events of last fall. The survey is included in the June- Issue 5 edition of Skyword. We asked that each Flight Attendant take a few moments to complete the survey. Please return only the answer sheet using the self-addressed envelope. As a reminder, postal rates went up on June 30th. You will need to use a $.37 stamp.

APFA working in conjunction with Flight Service, AMR Corporate Security, and the Allied Pilots Association, has a few reminders to all crewmembers flying during the July 4th weekend and beyond.

*Be cognizant of your surroundings.

*Report ANY suspicious activities to the appropriate personnel.

*Be vigilant. DO NOT travel alone outside the hotel area.

*In the event that your layover hotel has holiday festivities -inquire if they are restricted to hotel guests before making your final decision to attend. If the event is open, you may want to consider not attending.

*If you witness any suspicious behavior while on layover notify the local police/authorities, hotel security/management and the AA Local General Manager. Please take the time to contact the APFA Safety Department as well at 800-395-2732 ext 8302.

Currently there are no TSA or FAA Security Directives or Security Information Circulars specific to the July 4th weekend. These warnings are more to remind each and everyone of us to remain vigilant.

The APFA offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of the Independence Day holiday. If you are involved in an incident or accident, the APFA Officer on Duty will be available. All other issues should be directed to the appropriate department or representative during normal business hours, which are 0830-1830 Central Time.

On behalf of the Officers and Representatives, have a very safe and happy 4th of July!