12.04.19 – APFA’s Financial Standing

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Dear APFA Members,

I want to talk to you about an important issue regarding our financial standing, which is strong. However, there are circumstances since the merger that have increased the finances needed to best represent our members. Following an independent review of our finances, we came to the conclusion that we need to adjust our sights going forward. And here’s why:

The Board of Directors consists of National Officers and Base Presidents. The Base Presidents are the voting members of the Board. The voting Board approves the annual budget every year for the year ahead. Unfortunately, the last fiscal budget did not take into account the major increases that would be occurring once all Union Leaders/Reps were on PBS and able to increase their paid Union hours to the 110 hour max. Nor did it take into account the annual increases occurring since December 13, 2014, the effective date of the JCBA. Additionally, the approved budget did not consider the countless battles we fight for our members in arbitrations and grievances against the company. The PBS monthly bid increases with a higher max compounds itself every month, adding to fixed and other necessary costs to run the Union. The National Treasurer alerted the Base Presidents of continuing increases.

To address these issues, last Friday a special Board of Directors teleconference was convened to discuss matters relating to the budget. Many resolutions were put forth addressing cost savings, expenditures and collecting monies due. Most were rejected but a few were voted in. They included across the board cuts in all departments and bases of between 37% – 43%. In addition, National Officer salaries were reduced by 15%, all effective immediately.

It’s important to note that even with these changes, the Union’s representation on both the base and national levels will continue as we still have sufficient Union representatives on part or full-time trip removals to serve our membership in every area. In summary, we are making changes immediately to strengthen our finances while continuing to provide services to our members. The full minutes and resolutions will be sent out via hotline to members and posted on the APFA website within 30 days, with more details.

Truth in Finances – The Sky is not Falling

Speaking of facts, factual information is the best way to combat rumors, fear and scare tactics on the line or in social media. Here are a few basic facts from www.dol.gov regarding the three largest Flight Attendant Unions:

APFA
Number of members: 27,619
Monthly dues: $41
Total Net Assets including negotiations fund: $13,342,247

Flight Attendant Union B
Number of members: 43,178
Monthly dues: $50
Total Net Assets: $5,171,007

Flight Attendant Union C
Number of members: 15,187
Monthly dues: $49
Total Net Assets: $4,505,457

So, we’re not doing so badly are we? In fact, APFA has the highest net assets of the largest three Flight Attendant Unions. Why all the drama then, you ask? While our negotiations fund is ear-marked for bargaining, our goal is to enhance our general fund. It is our responsibility to safeguard your assets not only for the present, but for the future. We are tightening our belts to ensure that our Union remains financially sound. We are the stewards of our future. And setting all the unnecessary drama aside, we take our collective futures seriously.

In Unity & Solidarity,