5.13.11 – (LAA) – AMR Shareholders Picketing, APFA Votes at AMR Shareholders Meeting, Hiding Corporate Greed, FAA Proposes Enhancements to Crew Training, Skyword Online, DFW Reps in Ops, ORD Retirement Seminars

APFA Weekly Hotline Update

for the week ending Friday May 13, 2011

“HOW DID YOU IMPACT THE EXPERIENCE?”

So begins Denise Lynn’s e-mail to the Flight Attendants this week. Then she goes on to say that, “May 13 is Customer Experience (CE) Rewards Day, and as you know, our quarterly CE Rewards checks are tied to how well we do on our customers’ rating of their Overall Onboard Experience in addition to Direct D-0 dependability. Unfortunately, we did not achieve our Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) or dependability goals for January, February or March, so we will not have a CE Rewards payout this week.“

So our awards are tied to performance?  What a novel concept. Perhaps the executives of this company should lead by example. The top five executives of this airline have made almost $100 million in bonuses over the past six years despite their dismal performance.

If you haven’t viewed the YouTube video made by our airline economist Dan Akins, please do. Dan outlines how the bonus formula has been changed so that these executives receive a hefty bonus even when they come in last place.† Pay for no performance. GREED, period.

AMR SHAREHOLDERS PICKETING

American Airlines shareholders will hold their annual meeting in Los Angeles next week where we will continue our protest to expose the insatiable gluttony of American’s executives.

Please join us next Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Century City Los Angeles as we picket the annual AMR Stockholders Meeting to demonstrate to the shareholders that corporate greed must stop.

If you’re not flying on May 18, we need you on the picket line starting at 0700 (Pacific) on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel
2025 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA† 90067

APFA VOTES

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants owns stock in AMR and will send representatives to the meeting. These representatives will be casting the following votes on the proposals for stockholders:

1. Election of Directors
   – WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES
2. Ratification of the selection by the Audit Committee of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for the year 2011
   – FOR
3. Advisory vote on Executive Compensation
   – AGAINST
4. Advisory Vote on Frequency of Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
   – 1 YEAR
5. Stockholder Proposal Relating to Cumulative Voting for the Election of Directors
    – FOR

HIDING CORPORATE GREED? – CALL TO ACTION!

Corporate greed? We know all about it! The historic Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was just signed into law by President Obama in 2010. Already Republicans want to repeal certain portions of the Act to shield greedy CEOs from reporting their salaries as required by the CEO-to-worker compensation ratio disclosure provision. Instead of working to make sound business decisions, corporations have been working to repeal key†provisions of the financial disclosure reform bill. Apparently, there are those who†believe providing this information is just too “burdensome”.

As part of the hard working and struggling middle class, we need to stand up for our rights and say ìnoî to allowing this repeal.† Donít let greedy CEOs try and hide their outrageous salaries under the rock of corporate cover-up.†Write or call†your representative and tell them you do NOT support HR 1062 and they shouldnít either.†While†we, the Flight†Attendants, have†waited seven long years for a contract, the executives at American†continue to take millions of†dollars in bonuses.

And by the way, should this legislation pass, our CEO Gerard Arpey and AMR, will be shielded from providing this information.†No wonder they want to keep it a secret!

Take action now! Call or write your Representative today via Capwiz or Facebook!

FAA PROPOSES ENHANCEMENTS TO CREW TRAINING

Earlier this week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Press Release proposing enhancements to air carrier training programs. While the majority of the changes pertain to Pilot training, there are some proposed enhancements to Flight Attendant training such as Advanced Qualification Programs (AQP) and annual hands-on emergency drills.†As you know, American already requires hands-on emergency drills every 12 months and has also implemented an AQP Training Program for Flight Attendants.† We are in our third year of AQP Recurrent Training for Flight Attendants and the Pilots have had AQP in place for quite a while.

APFA President Laura Glading commented, ìAPFA applauds the FAA for recognizing the importance of training and safety on the job with these proposed changes. Flight Attendants†are first responders who wear many hats on the job often having to serve as a nurse, fire fighter, police officer, and other duties. We are the first line of defense on board responsible for the safety and security of passengers.

American Airlines Flight Attendants already participate in an AQP Recurrent Training each year to ensure we are prepared for any and every†situation possible. The FAA should be praised for raising the training standard across the†industry. We’d also like to see the FAA address important issues such as†Crew Member Fatigue and Cabin Air & Temperature Quality for all crew members†and passengers.”

SKYWORD online

“Labor unions are the last, best hope for America’s working class, the economy and our democracy,” writes APFA Treasurer Steven Baumert in his most recent Skyword online article.  In the article, Steven chronicles the history and importance of the labor movement. Click here to download the article.

DFW REPS IN OPS

Please join DFW Base Chair Chris O’Kelley, STL Base Chair Nena Martin and other†local APFA representatives in DFW Terminal C Operations on Tuesday May 24th from 1100-1500 (Central).† They will be available to answer questions and will have union pins, lanyards,†and address change forms available.†

ORD RETIREMENT SEMINARS

ORD – May 25 from 1400-1600 – K19 Lower Level Conference Room
ORD – May 25 from 1800-2000 – Outside security, West Conference Room, Mezzanine Level

APFA Retirement Specialist, Patrick Hancock (IDF) conducts these lively and informative briefings. The seminars are open and useful to all Flight Attendants from all bases, but particularly important to Flight Attendants planning to retire in the next 10 years. To make the most of these briefings, print and bring your personal pension estimate and plan calculation formulas from JetNet.

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Please remember there are currently 594 members on furlough and awaiting recall. This number includes all recalls as of July 1, 2011.
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