12.15.12 – (LAA) – Bankruptcy Update, Me Too, Impementation, and ODCG Supplement, Block Times, OSHA, Uniform Deadline, VEOP Payments, Hawaiian Air Reciprocal Agreement, Prefunding Refunds

 

APFA Hotline

12.15.12

Bankruptcy Update
Early on in AMR’s bankruptcy process, as early as April, Flight Attendants realized that a merger with US Airways inside of bankruptcy was best not only for American employees, but for the Company and the traveling public as well. The long term viability of the Company and therefore the job security of Flight Attendants is best provided by an airline that can grow and compete with other network carriers. Today, it would appear that nearly everyone in the industry and on Wall Street understands this, too.

The pilot unions’ engagement in merger talks this week is a very positive step towards this goal – a similar meeting was an indication that the Delta/Northwest merger was imminent. I applaud APA’s recent strong statements of support for the merger plan and look forward to their input to the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee. Continue to watch these hotlines and the APFA website for the most up to date information regarding the bankruptcy.

Me Too, Implementation and On-Duty Contract Guide Supplement
Our team is currently evaluating the APA contract that was ratified last week to determine what if any improvements need to be made to our contract, pursuant to our “Me, Too” letter . This link also takes you to the LBFO implementation schedule and the updated On-Duty Contract Guide Supplement.

Block Times
Flight Attendants who experienced a loss of sequence value as a direct result of the block time adjustments for December 2012 will receive the greater of the actual flying time or the originally published bid sheet sequence value. Shortly after the conclusion of the effected sequences, Pay Comp will identify the Flight Attendants who actually flew the sequences and will make appropriate adjustments.

OSHA
With passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill of 2012, a timeline was set for completion of the work on health and safety oversight for individuals who work in aircraft cabins.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed policy statement regarding the regulations of some working conditions for cabin crewmembers was published in the Federal Register late last week.  This policy statement will enhance both the safety and health in the aircraft cabin by establishing the extent to which the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) requirements may apply to Flight Attendants while onboard aircraft in operation.

• The next step is a comment period that will end 1/07/13. 
• The APFA Health, Safety and Security, and Government Affairs Departments will be meeting with the FAA and OSHA next week and are preparing official comments on behalf of the membership.
• The FAA has invited interested parties to submit written comments, data, or views on the policy statement. We want to make this information available to our members. 
• For more information, visit the Federal Register announcement by clicking here: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/12/07/2012-29631/policy-statement-on-occupational-safety-and-health-standards-for-aircraft-cabin-crewmembers

 

This is good news for all Flight Attendants and is something we have fought long and hard for.  It underscores that people in Washington, including the President and his appointees are hearing our message.

Uniform Deadline
The deadline to use your 2012 uniform points is approaching. Keep in mind uniform points do not roll over to the next year. Any points you have not used by the end of the year will expire. The deadline to place a phone order with VF Solutions is 1500 Central Time on Monday, December 31. The deadline to place an order on the website is 2300 Central Time on Monday, December 31. However we encourage you not to wait until the last minute and place your order as soon as possible.

VEOP Payments
The $40,000 VEOP payment for the 50 Flight Attendants who left on December 2nd, was deposited on December 12, 2012. The timing of those deposits will surely help to make their season’s brighter.

Hawaiian Air Reciprocal Agreement
The reciprocal agreement with Hawaiian Air is being resolved and will again be in effect for Flight Attendants on December 17, 2012.

Prefunding Refunds
Earlier this week JP Morgan mailed refund checks representing our portion of prefunding contributions and associated investment earnings as result of the termination of prefunded retiree medical benefits. If you were enrolled and contributed to prefunding you will receive two checks. One check represents the portion you contributed to the prefunding plan. This portion will not be taxed as  it was deducted from our checks on an after tax basis. The second check represents investment earnings on our those contributions as the monies were held in a Trust and invested and therefore subject  to gains and losses of these investments. The second check is subject to taxation and as a result a 1099-MISC form will provided at the end of January for annual income tax filing.

The portion of pre-funding that the company contributed and associated investment earnings will be refunded to us upon successful conclusion to the 1114 process of Bankruptcy. The 1114 process is the portion of Bankruptcy that covers retired employees and their medical benefits.  We do not anticipate a resolution to the 1114 process for several months.

Flight Attendants first entered the prefunding plan on January 1, 2002. The plan ended on October 31, 2012. If you were at least 30 years of age with at least one year of Company Seniority as of January 1, 2002 you were automatically enrolled in prefunding at the monthly rates listed below for each respective calendar year.
2002 – $12.96
2003- $13.79
2004- $14.06
2005- $14.68
2006- present – $15.68

If you entered the prefunding plan at a later date you would have paid different rates. In addition, if you were in an unpaid sick or IOD  status or depending on your age if furloughed you would not have been required to pay for prefunding. If you have not received your checks by December 22, 2012, please contact JP Morgan at 800-345-2345

Executive Committee WTS
Notifications of Willingness-to-Serve are now being accepted for Ad Hoc Member of the APFA Executive Committee Places #3 and #4 for the three-year term of office beginning April 1, 2013, and Place #5 for the two-year term of office beginning April 1, 2013. WTS notifications are due in the designated PO Box by 10:00 a.m. Central Time on February 5, 2013. Click here to download the WTS form.
 

AmericanAirlines + US Airways
“Our Future Depends On It”

Leslie Mayo
APFA National Communications Coordinator