2.07.14 – (LAA) – Next Equity Distribution, Representation and Bargaining Update, BOS-D Vice Chair WTS, VEOP-2, Cell Phones in the Cabin, Staffing, EC WTS, APFA Admin and Committee Positions

 

   

As we have previously explained, the majority of US-based legacy American employees are eligible to receive 23.6 percent of the shares of common stock in the new company (AAL) distributed to holders of allowed unsecured claims. The initial distribution of equity occurred on Dec. 9 with approximately 25 million shares of new common stock granted to eligible employees. A second distribution was made on the Day 30 mark of approximately 1.1 million shares of new common stock distributed to certain US-based legacy American employees. Yesterday, American announced that a Day 60 distribution of 1 million shares will be made as soon as administratively practical on or after February 10. Flight Attendants will have the option of holding, selling or transferring their shares at that time, as they wish. Since the third distribution is approximately 4% of the initial distribution, the distributions to eligible Flight Attendants will be proportionately smaller. 
 
As was the case for the first two equity distributions, APFA’s Equity Claim Call Center will be available for all Flight Attendants from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for two weeks beginning on the day the shares are distributed. The toll free number is 855-332-3407. There, you will be able to speak directly to a BMC representative regarding the distribution of the claim. You can also email BMC at [email protected].
 
For more information, visit APFA’s equity website and Jetnet. If you have questions about how to access your account or need information on how to buy, sell or transfer your shares, contact AA’s Call Center at 888-285-9438.
 
PRE-MERGER US AIRWAYS FLIGHT ATTENDANTS VOTE ON BARGAINING AND REPRESENTATION AT THE NEW AMERICAN
Voting on the Negotiations Protocol Agreement (NPA) and Bargaining and Representation opened yesterday for pre-merger US Airways Flight Attendants. US Airways AFA-CWA Representatives will be conducting roadshows next week in DC, PHL, PHX and CLT in order to assist their members in making an informed decision on this unprecedented Agreement.
 
Once the Agreement is ratified, the parties will begin negotiating with the company no later than 60 days following ratification date. Negotiations will continue for no more than 150 days from the day negotiations commence unless all parties agree otherwise. For details on the process moving forward, click here.
 
TURBULENCE TECHNOLOGY
As Flight Attendants, one of our biggest challenges is communication with the cockpit crew when we are faced with in flight turbulence. All levels of turbulence create the potential for injuries. Our safety and that of the passengers is our first priority.
 
Later this month American will be the first airline to take delivery of the Boeing 737NG that will be factory equipped with ThreatTrack weather radar.  The system, developed by Rockwell Collins, is designed with state of the art technology that will show impending weather systems as well as “turbulence and ride-quality” up to 40 nautical miles ahead of the aircraft.  Look for the system to be certified on the 777 and the Airbus in the months ahead.
 
BOS-D VICE CHAIRPERSON WILLINGNESS TO SERVE
The National Ballot Committee has posted the Willingness-to-Serve Notification for BOS-D Vice Chairperson on APFA’s website.  All interested candidates should print a copy of the WTS and return it to the PO Box located at the bottom of the WTS form by 1000 Central on March 6, 2014.
 
VOLUNTARY EARLY OUT PROGRAM (VEOP) 2 INFORMATION AND ROADSHOW SCHEDULE
APFA Retirement Specialist Patrick Hancock continues with his base visits through February 25th. If you are thinking about taking the VEOP, this is the best place to have all of your questions answered. Bring your paperwork with you and plan to be thoroughly educated and entertained by Patrick Hancock!
 
Click Here to read APFA’s VEOP Packet prepared by Patrick Hancock (IDF) and Ron Harris (IDF)
Click Here to read AA Flight Service’s VEOP Information Packet
Click Here to read the VEOP-2 Q&A
Click Here for the VEOP online election form
Click Here for the departure date preferences ballot
 
DFW
February 13
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hyatt Regency DFW
2334 North International Parkway
DFW Airport, TX 75261
(972) 453-1234
 
ORD
February 14
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
O’Hare International Airport
Mezzanine Conference Room
 
BOS
February 18
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Embassy Suites Boston at Logan Airport
207 Porter Street
Boston, MA 02128
(617) 933-5103
Parking vouchers provided by APFA
 
LGA
February 19
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LaGuardia Airport
LGA Flight Service Training Room
 
JFK
February 20
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
JFK International Airport
JFK Dupont Conference Room
 
DCA
February 21
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Radisson Hotel DCA
2000 Jefferson Davis HWY
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 842-4033
Parking vouchers provided by APFA
 
LAX
February 24
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach
14400 Hindry Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 536-0400
 
SFO
February 25
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Embassy Suites San Francisco Airport
250 Gateway Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 589-3400

 
REMINDERS
___________________________________________________________________________
 
Cell Phones in the Cabin
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) comment period remains open to weigh in on the use of cell phones on planes. Please take a moment and provide your comments to the FCC on this important issue.
 
Follow this link http://www.fcc.gov/comments, then select: 13-301 – Expanding Access to Mobile Wireless Services Onboard Aircraft
 
Staffing
As a reminder, if you have reports concerning staffing related issues, please email details to [email protected]. In order to evaluate any potential violation of our contract language, which states that APFA has the right to grieve an unreasonable workload, we must have detailed reports in order to build a successful case to present to an arbitrator. In the past, when the company violated this provision, it was the initial detailed reports from our members that helped us develop a successful case. Generic or non specific reports are not helpful in this instance. Necessary details include city pair, cabin worked, loads, booking and final numbers, specific galley and catering challenges, etc.
 
We thank you in advance for your email to [email protected]. Should you require a representative to contact you to discuss further, please indicate as much in the email subject line, as this email box is used for feedback and research purposes only.
 
Executive Committee Willingness-to-Serve
The National Ballot Committee would like to advise all members in good standing that a Willingness-to-Serve (WTS) has been posted on the APFA website for Ad Hoc Positions 1 and 2 of the Executive Committee. If you are interested in serving on the Executive Committee, you are asked to return the WTS to Jeff Pharr, APFA Secretary, by March 10, 2014. Jeff’s email address is [email protected]. For more information, visit www.apfa.org. Please direct any questions to the National Ballot Committee at [email protected] or 817-540-0108, ext. 8311.
 
Administrative and Committee Positions
APFA is now accepting resumés for the positions of Division Representatives (5), National Coordinators (6) – Communications, Contract, Health, Hotel, Safety/Security, Scheduling, the National Balloting Committee (5), and the National Budget Committee (4). Resumés must be submitted to APFA Secretary Jeff Pharr by March 12, 2014.