5.14.04 – (LAA) – Changes to Master Bidsheet, Lobbying in DC, FA Fatigue, Southwest FAs Conduct Informational Picketing

Hello. This is Liz Geiss, APFA National Communications Coordinator, with a special APFA Hotline Update for Wednesday, May 19th, 2004.

APFA has been notified of changes to the master bid sheet for the month of June. Bases affected are LAXD, DFWD, and MIAD. Instructions on how to view these changes can be found on the June bid sheet, or by referring to RF 2028 NBR in your personal mode.

Now please stay on the line for the regular APFA Hotline

Hello everyone. This is Liz Geiss, APFA National Communications Coordinator, with the APFA Hotline for Friday, May 14, 2004.

The Wednesday, May 12th Washington D.C. Lobby Event on Capitol Hill was a tremendous success! APFA President John Ward and many APFA members participated in a joint event with various other unions on the issues of security training, Flight Attendant fatigue, and reduced layover rest. The twenty-minute march began at the Communication Workers of America building, and continued until we reached the steps of the Cannon Building for a press conference. During this press conference, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) along with Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Ed Markey (D-MA) demanded that the Transportation Security Administration develop a program that would provide security training for Flight Attendants, and replace the inadequate training currently in place. TSA Administrator, David Stone was presented with thousands of letters from our Flight Attendants voicing their concerns on safety and security training.

Our APFA Flight Attendants also paid visits to several of the congressional offices to revisit the issue of reduced layover rest and Flight Attendant fatigue. We asked for their support by co-signing Rep. DeFazio’s letter which states the need for a change in FAA regulations that would provide adequate layover rest for our Flight Attendants. Thanks to those who put forth the time and effort to make our voices heard! The APFA Executive Committee will attempt to meet in special session on Tuesday, May 18th to complete its review of the election appeals. This process is mandated by the APFA Constitution in Article 6, Section 6.E which states: “the Executive Committee shall consider such appeal and must render its decision concerning such appeal no later than 60 days following the canvassing date of the ballots.” The meeting will take place in the Unity Pays Room at APFA Headquarters at 1:00 p.m. CT. All members in good standing are welcome to attend all open portions of the meetings.

Taking you around APFA Headquarters:

• The Hotel Department would like to remind you that the APFA continues to meet with the company to discuss the issue of both the Paris and Rome long layover hotels. At this time, no decision has been made on these hotels. We will continue to update date you with any new information via the hotline and the APFA web site.
• The Health Department would like to caution Flight Attendants when checking emergency equipment, please make sure the items are returned and locked in their secured location, as this could cause unnecessary injuries.
• And from the Safety Department, the FAA is currently conducting observations aboard our aircraft. Please ensure that your manuals are up-to-date, and you are in possession of your FAA required equipment. American announced this week that the airline met the criteria set by the Company for the first payout under the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP). Each qualified employee will receive $25.00. The payout is reflected in ePays as a special entry. The payout comes as a result of the fact American’s customer service performance in March, as measured by Survey America, met requirements under the AIP for payout. For more details on the AIP, visit the Hot Topics page of the APFA Web site.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted on the Cantwell amendment to extend unemployment benefits for laid off workers. Unfortunately, the amendment failed to receive the required 60 votes. An update on the amendment can be found on the Furlough page of the APFA Web site and at www.umemployedworkers.org. APFA will continue to work with members of Congress to promote legislation that will extend unemployment benefits for our furloughed Flight Attendants. Meanwhile, all APFA members should take a moment to contact their senators to urge support of any legislation that would extend unemployment benefits. The quickest way is to use Capwiz on the Government Affairs page of the APFA Web site.

In Industry News:

American was awarded seven currently unused frequencies between Honolulu and Tokyo this week by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The airline will now apply for slots in Narita, and hopes to have a decision on the slots no later than June 6th. American has targeted November 1st for startup of the new service. No decision has been made on which crew base will fly the new route.

US Airways this week announced that it would consider yet another bankruptcy filing if they are unable to further reduce costs. The airline is in talks for additional concessions from its labor unions. US Airways has not eliminated the possibility of selling key assets.

Bankruptcy is not out of the question for Delta. The airline said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it would seek to restructure under Chapter 11 if it is unable to cut costs. The airline is seeking a 30% pay cut from Pilots. Delta this week announced it would offer voluntary self-defense training for its 14,000 Flight Attendants similar to a voluntary program previously offered by American.

Southwest Flight Attendants conducted informational picketing in Philadelphia during the launch of the airline’s new service there. Over 200 Flight Attendants participated in the event. Southwest Flight Attendants have been in contract talks for over two years.

That’s it for this edition of the APFA hotline. Please visit the APFA website at www.www.apfa.org for more information. Thanks for calling.