6.16.19 – APFA Exposes Unfair and Outrageous Attendance Program in Arbitration – Legal Fight Goes On

Sunday, June 16, 2019

APFA EXPOSES UNFAIR AND OUTRAGEOUS
ATTENDANCE PROGRAM IN ARBITRATION —
LEGAL FIGHT GOES ON

On Friday, June 14, 2019, APFA and the Company completed the first three scheduled days of intense arbitration on APFA’s Presidential Grievance. APFA is legally challenging the unreasonableness of American Airlines’ disrespectful Attendance & Performance Program. The case is not yet finished.

On June 12-13, APFA presented two full days of evidence and testimony from 18 witnesses. The arbitration was intense and was very detailed. Even with the parties’ pre-briefings and stipulations to expedite the case, APFA needed to use two full days to make sure every aspect of our monumental case was presented to the arbitrator. Our legal team wanted to make sure all the evidence was fully presented.

As a result, we had witnesses describe the full history of both of our former attendance and performance programs. Also, our LAA and LUS Union Leaders, Negotiators and Reps explained the multiple contract violations at issue. Finally, our lawyers presented compelling Flight Attendant witnesses who explained what it is like to live under this harsh and punitive Program.

We all know what it is like to live under this Program, which ignores what it means to be a Flight Attendant working onboard—sick passengers, stressful situations, insufficient rest and exhausting schedules. Clearly this disrespectful program was approved by those who do not know what it means to be a full time Flight Attendant.

It was important for the arbitrator to hear our stories of the pressure of working under a policy that sets Flight Attendants up for failure and ignores the human factor of our jobs. APFA made sure these injustices were heard.

Even though the Company began its portion of the case Friday and presented 4 witnesses, it is our understanding that they will have about 2-3 more witnesses. We are working with the Company and the arbitrator to promptly set dates to finish the arbitration. Under our procedural agreement for this case, we should have a decision approximately 45 days after we finish. While our goal was to finish this case this week, each side has the right to present all their witnesses.

We are so proud of all of our Flight Attendants and the compelling case that APFA has so far put before the arbitrator. We can never predict the outcome of a legal case… but we can guarantee the fight!

We will continue to update you.

In Unity,

Liz Geiss
APFA National Vice President
[email protected]