12.26.19 – Wrapping Up 2019 on a Safe & Positive Note

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Dear Fellow APFA Members,
The holidays are upon us and as you fly our customers around the globe, let’s take a minute to remember why we chose this profession and focus on our priorities and concerns as Flight Attendants for the world’s largest airline. Your safety and health is always our main concern. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays divert your attention away from what is most important, so that you can also enjoy time spent with your loved ones during your earned time off. If you experience turbulence, take your jump seat! If you see something out of the ordinary, say something! If a fellow crew member is having a down day, lend them an ear and lift their spirits. I know you will always provide the professional service to our customers who count on us to get them to their destinations all year long.

As we enter a new year and a new decade, I have more news to report of good things coming our way:

The Boeing 737 MAX saga continues, and we share in future settlements:

In talks with senior management prior to the holidays, I confirmed that AA is in settlement talks with Boeing in pursuit of damages and monies lost with the grounding of the MAX earlier this year. The focus of my meeting with upper management  was to secure a portion of the profits for our members. I have confirmed that AA does plan to share the settlement they receive from Boeing with our Flight Attendants and employees, much like Southwest Airlines in a profit sharing plan. The settlement talks are ongoing, and the difference is that there will likely be less offered to our airline, as we have less 737 MAX grounded aircraft in our fleet than Southwest. I will keep you updated on details as they are received.

We will welcome at least 1,200 New Flight Attendants to our ranks in 2020! That means less time spent on reserve for more of our current members. Classes are scheduled to graduate in the spring. New Member classes will also get an opportunity to tour APFA headquarters for an introduction and informative presentation about our Union.

Our negotiations committee is finalizing the scheduling survey, which will be coming your way shortly. Please take the time to lend your input for our committee to formulate our next important phase of bargaining proposals.

A special thank you to our Flight Attendants who are away from home flying this holiday season so that others may be with their loved ones. Enjoy the holidays and Fly Safe!

In Unity and Solidarity,

Lori L. Bassani
APFA National President