12.29.12 – (LAA) – APA Approves Memo of Understanding, WTS Notifications, Reserve Supplemental Flying, Critical Coverage Flying, OSHA, Reciprocal Agreement with United Express, Uniform Points

 

APFA Hotline – APA Reaches Memo of Understanding

December 29, 2012

APA APPROVES MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING
The following hotline was issued today by APA: “This morning the APA Board of Directors voted 11-5 to approve a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for consideration by AMR and US Airways managements and the US Airline Pilots Association representing US Airways’ pilots. If these other parties agree to the terms of the MOU that APA has approved, the MOU would serve as a framework for an agreement if American Airlines and US Airways proceed to merge. If there is no merger between the two carriers, the MOU would be rendered null and void.”

If history is any indication, achieving this MOU is a crucial step towards a merger.

APFA is engaged in similar discussions with AMR and US Airways management. Although our issues are fewer and more straightforward, we are working to produce an MOU that will clarify several points about the bridge agreement we signed with US Airways back in the spring. Again, the goal of our discussions is to make the financial benefits of a merger perfectly clear to AMR’s creditors. Like the pilots’, our discussions remain confidential but we can report that progess is being made quickly and we will report further as soon as possible.

Willingness to Serve Notifications
Willingness to Serve Notifications for Base Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Operational Council Representatives (OCR) for all bases were sent to all APFA members. If you are interested in further serving your union, these forms are due back in the designated PO Box no later than Friday, January 4, 2013. If you did not receive a WTS form, you can download one from APFA’s web site. In the event of an election at your base, ballots will be mailed on January 23, 2013, and counted on Friday, February 22, 2013.

Reserve Supplemental Flying
Reserve Supplemental Flying consists of OE pick-ups (OR), Limited Reserve Option (L2), Sick Make-Up (SM) and Critical Coverage (CR). A Reserve may utilize up to four (4) Duty-Free Periods (DFPs) to perform such flying. An OE Trip that originates in a line month and carries into a Reserve month is not considered Supplemental Flying and will not automatically pay on top of Guarantee. Supplemental Flying must originate in a Reserve month on a DFP. If a Reserve flies an OR, L2, and/or CR Trip Sequence on a DFP such flying will be paid above guarantee.

Critical Coverage Flying
At this time, HISENDs are not accepted for CC/CR flying. Flight Attendants who wish to fly CC/CR flying will need to add themselves to the Critical Coverage list (XC). The entry in DECS is: HIHP/StartDate/EndDate/XC.

Regular and Reserve Flight Attendants should use the above entry to add to the XC list. If crew scheduling elects to proffer such flying, they will call all Flight Attendants who are legal on the list in seniority order. FAs are under no obligation to fly, if contacted by crew schedule, for Critical Coverage flying.

If a Flight Attendant flies a Critical Coverage trip that is a Carry-Over sequence, the 50% premium will be paid in the following month. If a Flight Attendant flies a Critical Coverage trip that is a Carry-Over sequence into January and such Flight Attendant is on Reserve in January, the 50% premium will be paid above guarantee. However, the original value of the Trip Sequence that is credited in January, will be measured against guarantee, like any other Trip Sequence that carries into a Reserve month.

OSHA Update
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.

• APFA met with officials from the FAA and OSHA last week in Washington to discuss the introduction of OSHA to the aircraft cabin.  Officials from both the FAA and OSHA, along with APFA and the other Flight Attendant unions have been working for fourteen years to bring this forward.
• APFA is preparing comments on behalf of the membership. The comment period has been extended to 1/22/13. 
• 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. 
• Keep in mind that all comments become a part of the Federal Register and are published in full, including any personal information that may be submitted. 
• 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
• Initially the FAA/OSHA will be looking at four areas; blood born pathogens, record keeping and reporting, and noise standards for the aircraft cabin.

 

This is an important first step in deciding what areas will be under review and oversight.  Remember, we are all entitled to a safe workplace.  It underscores that people in Washington, including the President and his appointees are hearing our message.  We will continue to work on your behalf to ensure that our voices are heard.  We will keep you up to date as these important regulations are established.

Reciprocal Agreement with United Express
Effective December 31, 2012, the reciprocal cabin seat agreement with United Express (UAX) will expire. If you use Skywest-operated United Express flights to commute to work, please plan accordingly. United Express is in the process of reevaluating their reciprocal agreements with all carriers, and hopefully they will agree to renew our agreement in the near future. Note: this does not affect Skywest flights operated by carriers other than United Express.

Uniform Points
A final reminder that you can still use your 2012 uniform points until 2300 Central Time on December 31, 2012, online at www.vfsolutions.com. The deadline for phone orders is 1500 Central Time on Monday, December 31.
APFA Headquarters

The office will be open on December 31st, and close on New Year’s Day for a staff holiday. The office will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.
 

AmericanAirlines + US Airways
“Our Future Depends On It”

Leslie Mayo
APFA National Communications Coordinator