7.02.20 – APFA DFW Base Brief – Thursday, July 2, 2020

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Hello DFW,

On Wednesday, July 1st, we received the first base and staffing announcement from the Company that put things into perspective and made our situation a reality. We know that there are questions and concerns from many of you. APFA and the Company will be putting out information and Q&A’s when there are more definitive answers. We will try to answer some of the concerns that we are receiving now, but the speculation, as difficult as it is, needs to stop. Questions can be answered by turning to the JCBA, or you can reach the Company at [email protected]. We also have a non-sanctioned Union page called DFW Union News for any last-minute updates, which provides another means to communicate with the base.

Staffing Reductions

The Company announced the reduction of staffing on most international wide-body and transcontinental 321T aircraft to FAA minimum plus one (1) beginning October 1. They have stated this is due to financial cuts. Per the JCBA 10.Q.2, the Company may establish new staffing formulas. We have modified our onboard services due to COVID-19. When things pick back up, and they will, and the Company changes our modified service back to normal, we have asked for a “snapback” to our pre-COVID staffing levels. So far, the Company has stated they cannot commit to a “snapback.” We have significant concerns for this at DFW, and our National Officers do as well. JCBA Section 10.Q.3 allows APFA to file a Presidential Grievance, and APFA will do so if necessary.

At this time, only DFW HKG, extended long-range, will remain at the same staffing levels. As of now, speaker positions will remain the same.

JCBA Section 22: Filling of Vacancies

JCBA Section 22.H. speaks to displacement/priority return in the event of base displacements. The information is at our fingertips, and the more we prepare ourselves with the knowledge, the better we are in our position.

JCBA Section 23: Reduction in Force

The Company has indicated an approximate overage of 7,000 to 8,000 Flight Attendants, and those numbers include those on leaves. There is that ugly word: furlough. Section 23 of the JCBA covers a Reduction in Force. Please familiarize yourself with this section. It is very informative. We have approximately 26,000 Flight Attendants on the roster.

JCBA 23.B. defines what must be offered before an involuntary furlough. APFA is addressing various ideas for leaves/VEOPs that would benefit the Flight Attendants. Again, this was the first time the Company has addressed APFA Leadership with numbers and intentions- no further information is available at this time.

JCBA 23.C. covers involuntary furlough. JCBA 23.C.11 states that if Flight Attendants are furloughed over five (5) years, they still have recall rights. There is no timeline on recall; however, if Flight Attendants are recalled after five (5) years, they are subject to a Period of Probation covered in Section 21 of the JCBA.

APFA is strongly advocating on the interpretation of “the average number of hours flown in the twelve (12) months” for JCBA 23.C.13. to assist better those who are currently on leaves. The furlough pay chart in this section is based on years of active service.

Flight Attendants who are involuntarily furloughed are entitled to their pass travel privileges for twenty-four (24) months, per JCBA 23.C.19.

Base Closings

Along with yesterday’s announcement of the staffing overage, it was also announced that RDU and STL would be closing. These bases have been a significant part of our airline and our history. It truly is sad to see this occurring at two of our US bases. We cannot imagine what our brothers and sisters at these bases are going through at this time, but we do want to share how amazing their Base Presidents have been for them, especially in these uncertain and trying times. We want them to know that we are here for them in any way. As of the March 2021 bid, STL will become a satellite base to DFW.

International Flight Resumptions

The Company has announced international flight changes. The following cities were announced by the Company, and are up to date as of July 2nd, 2020:

• PEK – resumes Summer 2021
• EZE – resumes Winter 2020
• LIM – resumes Winter 2020
• GRU – resumes Winter 2020
• FCO – resumes Summer 2021
• SCL – resumes Summer 2021
• TLV – launches Winter 2021
• MUC will no longer operate out of DFW

 

Reserve

As we move ahead during these trying times, we need to address another word: Reserve. If we end up having to furlough, the seniority of those that serve Reserve will increase. Please familiarize yourself with the ROTA system; if you have not had the pleasure of utilizing it thus far, training guides are still available on the Flight Service website. You may also reference the books that the Company published for us several years ago. Those of you who are on Facebook, please join DFW Reserve Drama, a non-sanctioned Union page. Check out the posts and announcements for questions that you may have.

Professional Standards is a program designed to mediate conflict resolution between Flight Attendants from an unbiased point of view. It is the last line before involving the Company and has a high-efficiency rate of protecting Flight Attendants from mandatory face-to-face meetings with Company management. Please utilize Professional Standards in instances involving behavior or conduct unbecoming of an American Airlines Flight Attendant. All participants remain anonymous.

Professional Standards has intervened in situations involving substance abuse, Pilot/Flight Attendant conflict, and professional working behavior and harassment onboard our aircraft. Once the Company has been notified at any time by any party, the Professional Standards representatives take a hands-off approach. Please utilize Professional Standards first.

Our APFA DFW Professional Standards extension is monitored continuously to ensure a prompt response. (817) 540-0108 | APFA Ext: 8606

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Your Union is here for you. If you have questions, please note that APFA offers help in all departments. Utilize these tools that are available to you, especially if we are away from our phones. Schedule/Contract, Health, IOD, and hotel reps all are a wealth of knowledge during business hours, as well as Live Chat. Call (817) 540-0108 or visit apfa.org for more information.

I would like to take this opportunity to officially congratulate Amy Knox Green, the incoming DFW Vice President. She will be a fantastic attribute to the base and has already jumped in and is working hard for DFW. I also want to take a moment and give a heartfelt thank you to Maureen Walsh-Martin. She rose to the occasion when I needed her. Maureen, I cannot thank you enough for saying ‘yes’! Thank you so much for helping me and helping DFW in our time of need.

So, here we are, in these uncharted waters and unprecedented times. We encourage everyone to ensure that you have a copy of the JCBA, whether it be a hard copy or soft copy on your device. Please ensure that your address and email information with APFA is current. Email [email protected] if you need assistance. Also, please confirm that you are signed up to receive APFA hotlines and the DFW Base Briefs. We want you to stay informed with the latest information. Personal decisions will have to be made by all, using the information available at that time. Speculation and guessing are not facts. The airline that we were once hired to work for is no longer the same. It will take time to grow back to what we were. During this time, we must remember that we are all in this together as one- in unity. You have our commitment that we will always work hard to protect you, your health, your safety, and keep you informed to the best of our ability. Please reach out to us if you ever have a need or concern. We are committed to you.

DFW Leadership

Amber De Roxtra
DFW President
(682) 422-7179
[email protected]
[email protected]

Amy Knox Green
DFW Vice President
(972) 696-9766
[email protected]
[email protected]

Maureen Walsh-Martin
DFW Base Rep
(817) 739-5202
[email protected]

Mark Arceneaux
DFW Base Rep
(214) 457-0257
[email protected]

Elle Hinther
DFW Base Rep
(817) 564-4611
[email protected]
[email protected]

Aaron Cuevas
DFW Professional Standards
[email protected]

DFW Allocations/Manning Committee
[email protected]

 

In Solidarity,

Amber De Roxtra
APFA DFW Base President
(682) 422-7179
[email protected]

Amy Knox Green
APFA DFW Base Vice President
(972) 696-9766
[email protected]