6.18.10 – (LAA) – Treasurer Election, MIA Vice Chairperson Election, Dues Status for Voting, Jetmail, Fatigue, DFW Representatives in Terminal C, Spirit Airlines

Hi, this is Jeff Pharr, National Communications Coordinator, with the weekly Hotline update for Friday, June 18, 2010.

APFA NATIONAL TREASURER ELECTION

The Voter Packet for the APFA Treasurer election was mailed to all members on May 25th. The election is being conducted by electronic ballot using the telephone and Internet, through the Ballot Point Election Services system. APFA Treasurer Candidate Information is included in the Voter Packet and also posted on the APFA website. Click here to access.

You may use the same VIN and PIN identification numbers you used while voting in the strike authorization election. If you do not have those identification numbers, there is an activation code included in the Treasurer Voter Packet, which can be used.

Polls for this election close at 10:00 AM CT on Thursday, June 24, 2010.

Members should contact the National Balloting Committee (NBC) at APFA Headquarters 817.540.0108 ext. 8311 for voting assistance requiring:

• A new activation code
• Voter Packet not received
• Voter Packet lost or misplaced
• VIN/PIN credentials forgotten

An NBC Representative must speak with any member requiring a new activation code. Detailed instructions on the NBC voicemail (817.540.0108 ext. 8311) have been posted. Voicemail and email will be monitored daily to provide assistance to members.

MIA VICE CHAIRPERSON ELECTION

Ballots for the MIA Vice Chairperson election will be mailed on Tuesday June 29, 2010 with ballots due and polls closing at 10:00 am on July 29, 2010.

DUES STATUS FOR VOTING ELIGIBILITY

All members are reminded that you must be a member in good standing not later than the close of business on the fifth (5th) day prior to the time limit for casting ballots of any election or referendum in order to be deemed eligible to vote. If you have questions about your dues status, please contact the APFA Dues Department. Email: [email protected] or call 817.540.0108 ext. 8154

If you have any questions, please contact the APFA National Ballot Committee at 817-540-0108 ext. 8311 or by email to: [email protected].

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

In a presentation to Wall Street analysts on Tuesday, CEO Gerard Arpey stated that he is “more encouraged about the future of the Company now than he has been for a long time”. One of the reasons for Arpeyís optimism is that AMR is now projecting that its second-quarter unit revenue will rise between 16.5 and 17.5 percent compared to the second quarter of last year. During the presentation Arpey also boasted about the additional revenue AMR is generating in ancillary fees including $10M from customers paying for upgrades just in the first quarter. There can be little doubt that American will start making real money very soon. In turn, we the Flight Attendants should have no doubt that the path we have been pursuing for more than two years is the right one – achieving an agreement that significantly improves our careers and livelihoods.

In another blatant display of the Company’s uncanny ability to speak out of both sides of its mouth, it issued today the Third Edition of Flight Attendant Negotiations News. When its audience is Wall Street, prosperity is just around the corner; but when management speaks to us, the doom and gloom never lifts. It even has the gall to tout its last proposal though it would leave us in 2015 with less income than we were earning in 2003. Obviously, they still don’t get it.

As we await the decision from the National Mediation Board (NMB), we must continue our show of solidarity. Wear only your APFA pin, RED disk and wings.

“JETMAIL MY FSM”

If you havenít already, please contact your Flight Service Manager (FSM) to ask if they are, or will be, taking part in the train-the-trainers program reported to be currently going on at Flagship University (FU). All members should go to the Flight Service Website, click on “JetMail my FSM”. Be cordial and ask your FSM if they plan to participate:

“Are you participating or do you plan to participate in training possible replacement Flight Attendants?”

“Will you fly and replace me if there is a strike?”

Please forward any confirmation you receive to: [email protected].

COFFEE, TEA or LAND THE PLANE?

This week included three events that highlighted the importance of Flight Attendant professionalism and experience. The actions of our Flight Attendants were big news across the country, and they illustrated how important our training and skills are to the safety of our passengers.

After the First Officer became ill on a flight from SFO, an American Airlines Flight Attendant also working the flight was called upon to sit in the “right seat” and assist the Captain in landing the aircraft safely in ORD.

In another case, the door of a 777 aircraft was ripped off its hinges by the jet bridge after the aircraft arrived at the gate in DFW. No evacuation was necessary, but the Flight Attendants kept the passengers calm and orderly until the aircraft could be safely deplaned.

And finally, a passenger went into labor on a flight from PAP-FLL. Flight attendants gave a big assist to a doctor on board, helping to safely deliver a baby boy while in flight.

“These are perfect examples of how our Flight Attendants are absolutely irreplaceable,” said APFA President Laura Glading. “Our training, professionalism and years of experience were critical in these situations, as Flight Attendants acted quickly and calmly to make sure passengers and fellow crew members were safe. This level of professionalism can’t be reached with 17 days of training potential strike breakers, and American Airlines executives should know this.”

SOME REST FOR THE WEARY

Earlier this week APFA reached an agreement with AA to improve the contractual provisions outlined in Appendix I, Article 30 – “Letter V concerning Bunks/Crew Rest Seats – Procedures for Significant Malfunction.” The new agreement states for 777 flights over 10 hours scheduled flying time, with an inoperative crew bunk(s), the company will provide a Business Class passenger seat on a one for one basis for each bunk which is unusable. If a Business Class seat is unavailable then a Main Cabin seat will be provided. The current contractual language states the flight must be over 12 hours in order for the Business Class provisions to apply. Further, the agreement provides that the blocking of the appropriate seats shall be accomplished 24 hours in advance of scheduled departure time when there is a known significant malfunction. This agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2011. The letter can be read in its entirety here.

Thank you to all the Flight Attendants who quickly reported situations of the inoperative bunks. The two most common reasons for an inoperative bunk are malfunctioning air heaters and doors that are unable to open. Obviously it is preferable that we have the bunks available for our crew rest. Please do your part to ensure these two issues are not aggravated.

DFW REPRESENTATIVES IN TERMINAL C

On Wednesday June 23rd, DFW Vice Chairperson Margaret (Stewart) Barnes, DFW Strike Captain Krissy Kountz, DFW Scheduling/Contract Representative Linda Haertling and DFW Executive Committee member Liz Geiss will be in Terminal C operations from 11am-3pm (1100-1500). Please stop by with any questions and concerns. Union Pins, Red Lanyards and Disks will be available.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT

Spirit Airlines Pilots reached a Tentative Agreement with their carrier Wednesday. The Pilots stuck to their guns and walked the line until the NMB requested the parties return to the table Tuesday afternoon. The Pilots will return to work Friday after a six-day strike. Congratulations to our union brothers and sisters at the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) for standing up and fighting the fight – the same battle we are currently facing with AA.

——
Remember there are 1,358 members on furlough and awaiting recall.
——

The Wings Foundation is much more than can recycling, though that is an important source of the funds they distribute to members in need. Visit their website for fund raising activities, to find base representatives, forms for donation ($$$, PVDs, etc.), or applications for assistance. See how you can help at your base. Wings is formed and managed by AA Flight Attendants for AA Flight Attendants. Check out Wings and all our APFA supported organizations through these links:

Wings // Airline Ambassadors // UNICEF/Change for Good