12.19.13 -(LAA) – ODCG Online, TAFB Increase, Prefunding, Livery Design, APFA.org, 401(k), Cell Phones, Wendy Davis

 

CLA On Duty Contract Guide Posted
The On-Duty Contract Guide is complete and is now uploaded on APFA’s web site. It will also be printed and dropped in all Flight Attendants’ flight service mailboxes soon. Click here to download your electronic copy.
 
TAFB Increase
Flight Attendants received an HI6 message today stating that the increased TAFB rates were NOT reflected on the January 2014 bid sheet. Despite its exclusion, the increased rates will be paid beginning January 1, 2014, and we are told the bid sheet will properly reflect these rates beginning with the February 2014 bidsheet. 
 
Prefunding Refund
The LBFO provided that the company’s matching contributions to our prefunding would be returned to us “contingent upon the successful resolution of the Section 1114 process.” APFA believes that the effective date of the bankruptcy Plan of Reorganization, which closes out any further filing in the 1114 process, should be the date to begin the processing of those funds. APFA is in discussions with the company on the refund and will let you know as soon as this issue has been resolved.
 
Livery Design
This week, the new American management team announced that the tail design is to be decided by employee vote. Employees have two choices: keep the new “flag” design, or, revert back to the traditional “AA” design. Note: only the tail design is up for consideration, the rest of American’s new livery will remain unchanged.  Make your voice heard on JetNet by noon central time on January 2, 2014.
 
APFA Web Site
The Communications Department has received inquiries about a password reset issue on the web site. These issues have been resolved and were the result of a recent upgrade to our web site platform. If you forgot your password, you should be able to reset now with no problems. Remember, your username is your employee number without leading zeros.
 
2014 401k Maximum Contributions Announced
The IRS has published the maximum contribution rates for 2014 for 401(k) accounts. You can contribute up to $17,500 per year into your 401k in 2014.  In addition, if you are over the age of 50, you can make ‘catch-up-contributions’ of an additional $5,500 per year. Those contributions can be into either your Standard 401(k) or your Roth 401(k).

Beating the maximum:
Beginning January of 2014, the company will be contributing between 3.0% – 9.9% of the amount of your income outlined in the CLA into your 401(k). This company contribution is ABOVE your $17,500/$23,000 maximum. In other words, the company contributions do not reduce your maximum contribution. If you contributed your maximum of $23,000 and the company contributes an additional $5,000, you could be adding $28,000 to your 401(k) in 2014. Remember, regardless of whether you make contributions to your standard 401(k) or Roth 401(k), the company contributions will always go into the standard 401(k).

For more information, check the Education Center at www.retireonline.com.
 
There is still some confusion about our new 401(k) contribution under the new terms of our Conditional Labor Agreement. To be clear, the upcoming enhancements to our 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2013, do not require any contribution by the Flight Attendant. This is not a match, it is a contribution by the company. The one exception to that is an additional 2.5% “match” to Flight Attendants hired after 4/12/12 (above and beyond the company’s 3% contribution) after one full year of service.
 
APFA LEGISLATION
Cell Phones in the Cabin
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) introduced a bill (HR 3676) prohibiting in-flight cell phone voice communications on commercial aviation flights. Chairman Shuster’s legislation comes in the wake of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announced plans to review the current ban on the use of cell phones for calls in the aircraft cabin during flights. The issue is also being examined by the US Department of Transportation and the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. APFA representatives attended an FCC oversight hearing on 12/12 and have informed committee staff of our official position: keep cell phone conversations off the airplane!
 
In a statement accompanying the bill’s introduction, Chairman Shuster said, “Airplane cabins are by nature noisy, crowded, and confined. For the most part, passengers are looking for ways to make their flights go by as quickly and quietly as possible.  “For those few hours in the air with 150 other people, its just common sense that we all keep our personal lives to ourselves and stay off the phone. Pilots and flight attendants are focused on ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for everyone onboard.”
 
APFA wholeheartedly agrees.
 
HR 3676 prohibits the use of mobile devices for voice communications during the in-flight portion of any scheduled domestic commercial flight, exempting any on-duty members of the flight and cabin crew, or federal law enforcement personnel acting in an official capacity.
 
APFA Government Affairs asks you to contact your member of Congress today and tell them to support this important piece of legislation.
 
Follow this link to send your message today!
 
Wendy Davis Supports Flight Attendants
Last week, APFA President Laura Glading penned an op-ed for the Fort Worth Star Telegram in support of State Senator Wendy Davis, Democratic candidate for Texas Governor. APFA and APFA PAC support both Democratic and Republican candidates that promote the interests of our membership.
 
The settlement of the DOJ lawsuit was critical to this successful merger of American and US Airways. Wendy Davis took an early and unwavering stand in support of our merger, urging the Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to drop their opposition to the merger. Read the full op ed here.
 
Human Trafficking
APFA Flight Attendant Juan Carlos Ayub, DCA, attended an event on human trafficking awareness hosted by retired AA Flight Attendant Nancy Rivard. Nancy serves as the international president of Airline Ambassadors and has been a leader in the fight to combat human trafficking. Juan Carlos met with representatives of various federal agencies that are working to put a stop to these crimes.
 
Flight Attendants are a vital piece of the human trafficking fight since we are the eyes and ears of the cabin. APFA asks all Flight Attendants to be vigilant and help combat this serious problem.

Willingness-to-Serve BOS-I Base Vice Chairperson
The APFA National Ballot Committee posted the Willingness-to-Serve for Vice Chairperson at BOS-I on the APFA website. All interested candidates should to download a copy of the WTS and return to the PO Box at the bottom of the form by 1000 Central Time on January 8, 2013.

AmericanAirlines + US Airways 
“On Our Way”

Leslie Mayo
APFA National Communications Coordinator