6.23.17 – (LAA/LUS) – Qatar Investment in AA/Hot Cabin Events/Uniform Reaction Count Update

APFA LAA Members	Subscribe to the APFA Hotline
APFA LUS Members	Subscribe to the APFA Hotline
Non-Members	Subscribe to the APFA Hotline
Press	Subscribe to APFA’s Press Release

Friday, June 23, 2017

Qatar’s Proposed Investment in AA – LAA/LUS
Hot Cabin Events – LAA/LUS
Uniform Reaction Report Count – LAA/LUS

Qatar’s Proposed Investment in AA – LAA/LUS

Yesterday, Qatar Airways announced their interest in purchasing a small but noteworthy amount of American Airlines stock. American Airlines is a publically traded company and almost anyone (individuals, investment funds, and other companies) can buy multiple shares and become an “owner.” When more than 4.75% of the total available shares are purchased, the entity must reveal themselves. In addition, if it is a foreign purchaser that is requesting more than 4.75%, the American Airlines Board of Directors retains the power to veto. This means, that as of now, the most that Qatar could own is 4.75%.

APFA is part of a broad coalition of unions and air carriers that opposes the expansion of the three Middle East Gulf carriers (Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad) in the U.S. Our opposition is based on the enormous and illegal subsidies these airlines receive from their respective governments which creates unfair competition and threatens American jobs. Visit the Partnership for Open and Fair Skies website for a complete discussion of the broader issue. In addition, the following article in the LA Times provides an overview of Qatar’s interest to invest in American Airlines.

http://www.latimes.com/business/

At this time, we believe the AA Board of Directors will prevent the Qatar stock stake from exceeding 4.75%. Whatever amount Qatar chooses to invest will not affect our opposition to their ongoing receipt of illegal government subsidies nor will it give them a seat on the AA Board. We believe, however, that we should continue to voice our opposition to Qatar Airways’ business model and their investment in our airline.

Allie Malis
APFA National Interim Government Affairs Rep
[email protected]

Hot Cabin Events – LAA/LUS

Summer is here and record temperatures are already affecting much of the Southwest. According to Company policy, passenger boarding cannot begin unless the interior aircraft temperature is 90 degrees or below. APFA strongly opposes this policy and continues to advocate for a lower maximum cabin temperature for passenger boarding.

If you step onto a hot aircraft with a cabin temperature above 90 degrees and there are no Pilots, call Flight Service Daily Operations at
888-222-4737 and inform the Gate Agent. You must report the cabin conditions to someone so it can be immediately addressed. Do not remain on the aircraft if it is too hot. Proceed to the boarding area, if possible.

The Captain has final authority to determine if cabin conditions are adequate for passenger boarding. Please continue to communicate and coordinate with Gate Agents and the Pilots as appropriate to ensure the best possible boarding conditions.

As a First Responder, remember to review signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, and remain prepared. Should you become ill, submit a CERS Report, and consider reporting via a Cabin ASAP report as well. ALL cabin heat events should be reported to APFA by going to the APFA website and filling out a Hot Cabin Report Form:

Uniform Reaction Report Count – LAA/LUS

As of today, there have been 3,538 Flight Attendants who have filed uniform reaction reports. APFA is continuing its own independent testing of the uniforms and will update the membership as soon as the results are known. Please utilize the Uniform Reaction Report Form on the APFA website if you experience a suspected reaction to your uniform.

You should also contact the AA Uniform Call Center – Open Daily, 0700 – 1800 CST. (Regardless of whether you report a reaction, you will be given the option to wear the old uniform or purchase like pieces of comparable style and color for reimbursement.)

• LAA – 1-800-VIP-CREW (#, 6, then option 5)

• LUS – 1-800-872-7456 (2, 2, 5, then option 2)

In addition, we encourage you to order the Aramark uniform if you have any concerns about the current uniform. The order form is still available on Jetnet. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions about the Aramark collection.

You should also consider filing an IOD, depending on your personal circumstances, if you have experienced an injury or illness that you suspect is related to your uniform. Instructions for filing are posted below, but if you have questions about filing an IOD, you can contact Bellia Peckson at [email protected] .

IOD Filing Procedures:

LUS – Flight Attendants will file an IOD via the Flight Service Website by clicking on Safety and Security then LUS Injury on Duty Report, formally known as a Safety Event Report (SER).

Another option for LUS Flight Attendants to report an IOD is through JetNet by selecting Departments, then Worker’s Compensation then Flight Service. Select Complete “IOD Report”under Injury Reporting LUS. If you do not seek medical attention and later require medical care, contact the LUS Injury on Duty Administrator Team at 800 327 0117, prompt 6, 3.

LAA – You will need to file an IOD with your supervisor. Contact the MOD if your supervisor is not available. If you do not seek immediate medical attention and later require medical care, contact the Injury on Duty Administrator Team at 1 800 VIP-CREW. Select option #,6, 4.