11.24.12 – (LAA) – Mutual Pairings, APA TA, Galaxy Tablets, Reserve OE’s Above Guarantee

APFA Weekly Hotline

November 24, 2012

MUTUAL PAIRINGS
The next round of Domestic and International mutual pairings will be made at the beginning of December, for the effective date January 1, 2013. All pairings are made in seniority order from the standing transfer list for Domestic transfers, and the standing proffer list for International proffers. Int’l mutual pairings will be captured at 0830 on December 3rd. International pairings will be captured at 0830 on December 4th. To be eligible for a pairing, you must be in flying status during the entire day that the pairings are captured.
 
APA’S TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
APA’s balloting period for the Tentative Agreement began yesterday, November 23rd. Ballots will be counted on December 7th.
 
GALAXY TABLETS
The training and distribution of the Galaxy Tablets AA announced it will issue FAs for on board use have been “on again/off again.” They are currently “on again.” Once we have updated information from the company on the actual training and distribution, we will forward that information along. As a reminder, FAs are not expected to assist passengers in the terminal with the tablet. The company has said they intend to load our FA manual on each device, which means that once they receive FAA approval, it will no longer be necessary for FAs to carry the paper manual.

RESERVE OE’S ABOVE GUARANTEE
APFA still awaits word from the company about whether it will provide automation for the Reserve OE pick up above guarantee for December’s contractual month. The pace with which the company has moved to implement items that are beneficial to its bottom line proceed at lightning speed. Meanwhile, the priority it exercises for issues that benefit employees hardly exists. While this is not news to anyone, it is infuriating to say the least. The financial hardship for Reserve flight attendants could have been relieved somewhat by the company’s efforts to implement computer programming for trips paid above and beyond guarantee for up to 4 days of flying on days off. Decisions like this are what drive employee morale down further and solidify that this management team is out of touch with the realities of running a successful airline.
 
We strongly encourage AA to upgrade its scheduling program to include the Optional Exchange for Reserve FAs on days off to be paid above and beyond guarantee no later than December 2nd – the first day of the contractual month. We will keep you apprised of any developments.
 
Enjoy the remainder of the holiday weekend whether you are in the air or at home with your families. APFA HDQ will be open at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.
 
AmericanAirlines + US Airways
“Our Future Depends On It”
Leslie Mayo
APFA National Communications Coordinator