12.30.16 – (LAA/LUS) – Arbitration Hearing/BCBS Update/401K Special Elections/Retirement Seminars/WINGS/LC Hours

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Friday, December 30, 2016

Upcoming Wage Adjustment Arbitration Hearing – LAA/LUS
BlueCross BlueShield Network Update – LAA/LUS
Changes to 401K Special Elections Processing – LUS
Upcoming Retirement Seminars in January – LAA/LUS
Help The WINGS Foundation – LAA/LUS
Holiday Weekend Live Chat Hours – LAA/LUS

Upcoming Wage Adjustment Arbitration Hearing – LAA/LUS

As a reminder, the Wage Adjustment Arbitration hearing will take place next week in Washington, D.C. We will be tweeting LIVE from the event; however, we encourage as many members to attend as possible. If you are in the D.C. area during the hearings, join us in a show of solidarity, unity and support for our case.

WHEN:
January 5 – 7, 2017 at 0930 EST

WHERE:
O’Melveny and Myers
1625 I Street N.W., 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20006

Closest Metro Stations: Farragut West and McPherson Square Station
(Blue, Silver, or Orange Lines)

https://www.wmata.com/schedules/maps/upload/color_map_silverline.pdf

BlueCross BlueShield Network Update – LAA/LUS

Last week’s health hotline referenced the ongoing negotiations between Blue Cross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) and Texas Health Resources (THR). We are happy to report that they have agreed to extend their contract. THR health providers and facilities in the DFW metroplex will remain in-network and there will be no disruption for employees who currently use their services.

Changes to 401K Special Elections Processing – LUS

All LUS Flight Attendants received communication this past week via email or regular mail from Fidelity explaining upcoming changes to Special Elections in the 401k and how they are processed. Previously, LUS employees had a limited window to update their Special Elections before one-time payments (such as profit sharing) were made. Starting the first week of January, the Special Election field on the contributions page will be permanent and can be changed at any time.

During the transition, Fidelity will be pre-populating the Special Election percentage to mirror what employees have selected for their regular payroll deduction. (Example: employee’s election of 4% Pre-tax and 5% Roth will see the same contributions for their Special Election fields). At that time, Flight Attendants will be able to log into the Fidelity website and make a change, or simply leave it as is.

After this transition, Special Election contributions will not change unless the employee specifically changes them. This streamlines the Special Election process and mirrors what is currently in place for LAA employees.

Contribution elections can be viewed and changed by logging into http://netbenefits.com/aa or by calling the American Airlines 401k Fidelity Customer Service Center at 800-354-3412.

Upcoming Retirement Seminars in January – LAA/LUS

The APFA Retirement Department will be on the road in January with retirement seminars in Dallas/Ft. Worth and St. Louis. All seminars are from 1100-1400 local base time.

1/5 and 1/6 – DFW Airport – Yandry Center across from Gate C2

1/11 – STL Crown Plaza Airport Hotel. The hotel offers a shuttle service to and from the airport. https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/bridgeton/stlap/hoteldetail

LAA Flight Attendants with a pension can access a copy of their estimate from the Pension Service Center link in Jetnet, or by calling 800-447-2000.

LUS Flight Attendants with a PBGC pension can request their estimate via the US mail by logging in to the PBGC website or by calling 800-400-7242.

It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. All members, regardless of their base or seniority, are welcome to attend.

Ron Harris
APFA Retirement Specialist
[email protected]

Help The WINGS Foundation – LAA/LUS

“Sometimes a small thing you do can mean everything in another person’s life”

Can you help The WINGS Foundation meet our goal of raising $10,000 by the end of 2016? Give the gift that keeps giving and helps our Flight Attendants in their time of need.

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1248870628521192/

Not on Facebook? Visit our website at: www.WINGSFOUNDATION.com

The WINGS Foundation volunteers wish everyone a healthy New Year in 2017!

Tax-Deductible WINGS Foundation a 501c3 Non-Profit Charity ~
100% Volunteer Organization of “Flight Attendants Helping Flight Attendants”

Holiday Weekend Live Chat Hours – LAA/LUS

APFA Headquarters will be closed Monday, January 2, 2017. Live Chat will be available from 0900 – 1700 CT December 31st – January 2nd. APFA wishes everyone a safe, prosperous and happy New Year!