3.02.20 – An Update from APFA National President, Lori Bassani

Monday, March 2, 2020

An Update from APFA National President, Lori Bassani

Hello Fellow Flight Attendants,

As we spring into March, I have a few updates I want to share with all of you and I have a special request as well.

Today is a momentous day for the Flight Attendants of American Airlines as we don our new Lands’ End uniforms. This uniform was borne of much controversy surrounding health issues from the last new uniform roll-out just a few years ago. As you know, APFA received more than 5,000 reports from our members with health concerns from rashes and hives to severe respiratory issues. Some could not work in proximity to the old uniform and have been out of work.

I am extremely proud of our Union and our Company for addressing this situation that ultimately has led to the safest airline uniform in the industry. APFA remains confident in the new Lands’ End uniform garments as every piece in the collection has received the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certification — the highest garment certification available. How do we know that? Our APFA union representatives were involved every step of the way to ensure that this uniform reached the highest standards, right down to the thread, buttons, and zippers.

A few things I want to stress:

• Your Union is serious about your health.
• Management is serious about you being in uniform compliance.
• Your Union Leadership requests you wear your APFA Union pin proudly on your new uniform!

 

Where can you get APFA union pins and lanyards? From your Base Leadership, Activists and APFA.

The second update is on the Coronavirus, which is a continuing concern for us as it spreads worldwide. Our main concern is the health of our crew members, our families, and our passengers. APFA is in daily contact with AA, as well as the CDC, and we are staying on top of this situation. This week at our annual convention, leadership will be discussing options to protect our membership, should this situation warrant future actions. This serious health concern has resulted in cancelations of some of our flights and we want to ensure that we anticipate every scenario.

We have retained our first health consultant, Dr. Belland, who will represent APFA during this coronavirus outbreak. He will also consult on other health issues important to our workforce. Dr. Kris Belland is currently in Singapore at the IATA COVID-19 Medical Conference, representing APFA’s interest during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here for a letter from Dr. Belland.

The Attendance Arbitration decision is in! We are as excited as you are to get this decision and we are in the process of explaining the details to our top leadership during our convention this week. We will have more details and Q & As for you in the near future. Click here to read the arbitrator’s full award.

Have you voted for your next National Officers? The deadline is quickly approaching. Get those ballots in by 10 am CST, March 9. Your Vote is Your Voice!

As always, Fly Safe!

Lori L. Bassani
APFA National President